It was established in 1988 as the successor to the government backed Youth Training Scheme (YTS). It became a registered charity in 1990, and the remaining funds from the YTS were placed in an endowment. The income generated from the interest in this fund continues to provide financial support for the young people in the Grantham area, through grants from YTG. From its inception until 2017, the Trust was led by the late Colonel Arthur Bell.
The objectives of the YTG: in agreement with the Charities Commission they are: “To advance the education and relief of need of young persons under the age
of 28 and over the age of 5 who reside or attend a school or place of work within a radius of ten miles of Grantham Post Office, through their leisure time activities, so as to develop their physical, mental and spiritual capacities as they grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society, and that their conditions of life may be improved”.
“We can award between £250 and £500 to individuals and up to £5,000 for organisations. Each application is carefully checked and assessed before being awarded. We’ve given support to a diverse range of activities – support to
participate in the Cerebral Palsy World Games; expeditions to Indian Himalayas, Zambia and Botswana with Outward Expeditions; support to study music at the Royal Academy of Music in London, sponsorship assistance to play in the England Water Polo Team, and many more,”
It does seem that The Youth Trust Grantham is a unique charity inasmuch as it is the
provider of funds for areas outside the normal sources. Those youngsters that require assistance with help to achieve their goals when access through normal channels does not exist. The awarding of a grant is entirely up to the Trustees, and each application is carefully monitored and examined on its own merit and checked that it meets the criteria. The applicant is also made aware that this is a grant, not a loan, and does not need to be paid back. If the applicant is successful in obtaining a grant, they would be expected to write a report when the project s complete, including
photos/videos of them completing the activity. They may also be required to make
a presentation to one of Grantham’s Rotary Clubs. All details would be held securely
by YTG, and only be used to contact the applicant and not shared with any third parties without consent. The Youth Trust Grantham is run by volunteers and their
actual ‘running costs’ are minimal, so all fundraising goes into the awarding of grants. If there could be more donations from people raising money by
sponsored runs, raffles or whatever is felt that could contribute funds for this charity, it would be warmly welcomed. The more donations provided, the more help can be given to the younger element that are needing that extra boost in their lives.
If you know of someone who is in need of help with a particular project, or who needs help with achieving a long term ambition, then please contact YTG via its website. Maggie, Michelle and Jo also feel that their charity is far from being well-known. They would love people to spread the word by encouraging both the public and potential applicants to visit their website and discover how the Youth Trust Grantham works and how it could help someone you know. Do please go online to: www.youthtrustgrantham.com and learn more about this very worthwhile charity.
