New fund launched for young people
A new £20,000 grant has been launched to empower young people facing barriers to education, employment, and training across Telford & Wrekin and the wider Shropshire region. The fund will provide grants of up to £5,000 to grassroots organisations delivering youth-led, creative, skills, and mentoring projects.
The DENSO JCE Grant is managed by the Shropshire Community Foundation (SCF). It aims to support 16–25-year-olds, particularly those who are care leavers, home-educated, or living in areas with high deprivation.
Many young people across the region face significant obstacles to achieving their full potential. Care leavers and home-educated young people are considered especially at risk of social isolation and exclusion.
The number of home-educated children continues to increase. This highlights a growing need for flexible, locally delivered, and inclusive support that can connect young people with positive opportunities and future pathways.
The grants fund has been made possible with funding from DENSO Automotive UK Ltd, part of the world’s largest automotive parts and systems providers, and electrical contractors JCE and Sons Ltd of Telford.
Phil Tomlinson, head of HR and HSE at DENSO, said: “At DENSO, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to realise their potential, no matter their background. This fund reflects our commitment to investing in communities and supporting young people to build the confidence, skills and ambition to take their next steps into education, training or employment.”
“This grant is not just about funding activities,” added Paul Craven, director at electrical contractors, JCE and Sons. “It’s about ensuring young people who are often overlooked have the chance to shape their own futures and strengthen the communities they’re part of.”
Organisations must be not-for-profit and able to deliver within Shropshire and/or Telford & Wrekin. Projects should be participative and developmental, focusing on creativity, skills, mentoring, and pathways to education, employment, or training.
Sonia Roberts, trustee for Shropshire Community Foundation, said: “Small, grassroots organisations are often the closest to young people who feel left out of mainstream opportunities. The DENSO JCE Grant will help them deliver creative, youth-led projects that not only build confidence and belonging but also open the door to real, lasting change.”
The fund is now open, with applications closing on 18 December 2025. Successful projects will start in early 2026 and can run for up to 12 months.
Full details and application information are available at www.shropshirecf.org.uk.
