£500,000 fund launched to connect Sunderland’s young people to jobs of the future 

Charities and community organisations in Sunderland are invited to apply for grants of up to £60,000 over two years to help young people benefit from the city’s new wave of opportunities in creative industries, advanced manufacturing, and other growing sectors. 

The Connecting Futures programme, from The Rank Foundation and Greggs Foundation, in partnership with local stakeholders, aims to raise aspirations, build confidence and directly connect young people aged 12–25 with emerging career opportunities opening up in the city. 

Sunderland is undergoing major redevelopment, with projects such as Crown Works Studios, the Culture Quarter, Sunderland Riverside and the International Advanced Manufacturing Park creating a once-in-a-generation chance to change young lives. The city’s recent award of Music City status further cements its reputation as a hub for arts and culture. 

Paul Callaghan CBE, Chair, Connecting Futures Working Group said: 

“The Connecting Futures programme, funded by Rank Foundation and The Greggs Foundation, is a significant investment in Sunderland’s future. With grants of up to £30,000 a year for up to two years, it empowers our VCSE sector, creative industries, manufacturers, educators and wider employers to develop the talent our city needs.  

“It’s particularly focused on helping young people access training and build careers in Sunderland’s growing sectors — from digital and the arts to manufacturing and logistics. This fund is about unlocking ambition, strengthening communities and ensuring opportunity is within reach for every young person in Sunderland.”  

Caroline Broadhurst, CEO of The Rank Foundation said: 

“Connecting Futures is about capitalising on potential and making sure no one misses out because of their background or a lack of connections. We want every young person in Sunderland to see the new opportunities as being for them – and to recognise they have the skills and drive to pursue them.” 

Funding is available for experienced organisations working with young people, particularly those who are care-experienced, not in education, employment or training, at risk of exploitation, and/or at risk of involvement in anti-social behaviour, violence, and offending. Successful applicants will offer a range of activities, from industry insight days and creative workshops to skills training, mentoring, and support towards further education or employment. 

Grants will be awarded to organisations working in priority areas close to major developments: Sunderland West, Washington and The Coalfields. The programme will run from Autumn 2025 to Summer 2027, with a total budget of £500,000 over two years. 

Applications open on Monday 11th August and close at 15.00 on Friday 12th September 2025.  

Organisations must be based in Sunderland and meet eligibility criteria outlined in the application pack. 

Q&A Session Recording

On 2 September, we hosted an online Q&A session about the programme.

In this session, we covered:

• The application process, criteria, assessment and timescales
• Guidance on the application form and what we’re looking for

WATCH THE RECORDING