In 2025 Camden Giving brought participatory grant-making into Camden schools through its Grantmaking on Tour initiative, giving more local young people the opportunity to decide, meaningfully, how funding should be redistributed across Camden.
At a glance
- 125 young people from 2 sixth forms and 4 youth clubs, a year in
- 58 applications reviewed, £150,000 requested, £83,500 awarded
- Grants of £2,000 to begin with, rising to £5,000 for some groups
- Every young person paid £16.05 an hour, above the London Living Wage
Starting at Haverstock School
Camden Giving first visited Haverstock School and worked with 20 students aged 16 to 19, introducing them to the principles of grant-making and guiding them through the decision-making process.
In the first session, young people learned about grant-making, the voluntary sector, and funding themes and budgets. In the second, they read applications as a group and scored them independently. These skills are vital not only to grant-making but to civic engagement more broadly.
Together, the students reviewed applications requesting up to £2,000 for projects meeting the We Make Camden Kit: Opportunities for Children and Young People mission. After thoughtful discussion and careful scoring, they awarded funding to five projects they felt would make the biggest impact. Their insight and critical thinking are a clear reminder that young people bring fresh perspectives and strong values to funding decisions.
A year on
Through Grantmaking on Tour, Camden Giving has now engaged 125 young people from two sixth forms and four youth clubs. Haverstock School has hosted the programme four times, with 72 of its students taking part. Having begun with £2,000 grants, some groups have gone on to award £5,000 grants under the We Make Camden: Opportunities for Young People mission.
In total the young people have reviewed 58 applications, with £150,000 requested and £83,500 awarded.
All young people were paid £16.05 per hour for their participation, above the London Living Wage. For many, this was their first ever earned income.
What young people said
The young people have described the process as “fun, eye-opening and empowering”. Many were surprised to learn they could directly influence which community projects receive funding, and they valued seeing real ideas come to life.
It helped me see my community more and feel educated about what’s happening around me.
Young person, Grantmaking on Tour
Participants highlighted learning about grant-making processes, understanding how funds are used, and gaining practical skills such as evaluating applications. Asked what they would change for young people in Camden, their answers focused on creating more activities, increasing job opportunities, improving safety and providing accessible work experience. Overall, the experience inspired confidence, independence, and a sense that young people can make a positive difference to their community.
Find out more
- Grantmaking on Tour: taking decision making to schools (Camden Giving blog)
- What young people are saying about participatory grantmaking (Camden Giving blog)
- Camden Giving impact reports
Case study and photos provided by Camden Giving.
