The 7stars Foundation has opened applications for Shine Bright Long Term Funding, offering significant, unrestricted support to charities working with vulnerable children and young people across the UK.
This fund is aimed at organisations delivering bold, innovative and long-term solutions that go beyond short-term fixes. The focus is on tackling the root causes of disadvantage affecting children and young people aged 18 and under.
Applications are now open and close on 30 April 2026.
What funding is available
Successful organisations can apply for £60,000 over two years, paid as £30,000 per year. The grants are unrestricted, meaning funds can be used flexibly to support your organisation’s core work and long-term sustainability.
This makes Shine Bright a strong opportunity for charities looking to develop or scale work that creates lasting change for children and young people.
Who can apply
The fund is open to:
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Registered UK charities
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Organisations with a turnover of under £1.5 million
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Charities working with children and young people aged 18 and under
Applicants must also have no more than 30% unrestricted reserves in comparison to income.
Funding priorities
Applications must align with one of four priority areas, focusing on innovative, long-term approaches rather than short-term crisis responses.
Abuse
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Services for survivors of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, including online harm
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Early intervention and safeguarding initiatives
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Therapeutic and trauma-informed support
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Advocacy and support for young victims
Addiction
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Support for young people affected by their own or family members’ addiction
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Prevention and education programmes
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Access to counselling, rehabilitation and recovery services
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Peer support and mentoring
Child carers
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Respite and wellbeing services for young carers
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Practical and emotional support
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Educational provision to prevent disadvantage
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Programmes to reduce isolation and improve mental health
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Skills development and future planning
Homelessness
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Practical support to help maintain daily stability
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Support for young people in emergency or temporary accommodation, including children’s homes
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Assistance for displaced children, including refugees
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Crisis funding for immediate support
Across all themes, the fund prioritises work that future-proofs children’s lives by addressing the underlying causes of abuse, addiction, homelessness and caring responsibilities.
Before you apply
The application form cannot be saved, so organisations are strongly advised to review the questions in advance and gather all required information before starting. Avoid refreshing the browser or using the back button, as this may result in lost progress. Applicants will receive an email confirmation once their submission has been received.
Apply now
Full guidance and the application form are available on The 7stars Foundation website:
https://the7starsfoundation.co.uk/apply-for-funding/shine-bright
