New funding grants programme

When the new grants programme was announced I was full of trepidation at the prospect of needing to learn a new 'funding language' of outcome indicators and evaluation paradigms but I was very pleasantly surprised and would like to say well done to YM on the grants programme and the resources that accompany it.

The new YM programme is a breath of fresh air and a real step forward from the old one. The programme and the thinking behind it feels confident in its purpose and reflective of a mature sector. The guidance and resources are written in language that is clear and informative yet challenges the reader without being confusing or overly academic in approach. The new application process seems less proscriptive and more flexible allowing for a more creative approach to meeting the intended outcomes.

I used to dread starting a new YM bid under the old system. I'm actually feeling quite inspired by the new programme. I may feel quite different in a few months time whilst waiting for a critical funding decision but in the meantime, thankyou Youth Music for creating a programme that appears to encourage those who really care about musical inclusion.