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The Windmills Foundation awarded £123,353 through Lead the Change
The Windmills Foundation in Southport has been awarded £123,353 over three years by Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside through Lead the Change, a funding programme supporting young people to build stronger, more connected communities.
A total of £2.6 million has been awarded to 21 organisations across the UK to support local projects that will empower young people to build stronger connections within their communities, address division and drive positive social change.
The 21 youth-led projects were selected by a panel of 10 young grant-makers, aged 19-25, from across the UK, bringing a diverse range of backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences to the decision-making process.
The newly funded organisations will work alongside young people to create safe and inclusive spaces, support youth-led social action, build leadership skills, and encourage meaningful participation in community life. Through workshops, mentoring, community projects, and opportunities to influence decision-making, young people will be empowered to challenge harmful narratives, strengthen positive relationships, and drive change in their local communities.
The funding to Southport will enable The Windmills Foundation to empower local young people to become confident, compassionate leaders who create positive change through their communities.
Dr Peter Hawkins, Founder of The Windmills Foundation said:
“We’re thrilled to receive funding through Lead the Change to create opportunities for young people in Southport to leave their Social Signature – their mark for good. Young people will come together from different backgrounds to take the lead, lead the change and change the world. By putting young people at the heart of our work, we hope to strengthen confidence belonging, resilience, purpose and create positive, lasting ripples across the Southport community.”
Lead the Change is delivered in partnership with BBC Children in Need, Co-op Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Henry Smith Foundation, Joseph Levy Foundation, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Postcode Justice Trust, UK Community Foundations and The National Lottery Community Fund.