Sharing Power, Shaping Decisions: Youth Voice in Grantmaking

Welcome back to Voices in Action, a podcast from The National Lottery Community Fund, co-produced with Be the change. Media Network. In this episode, we explore the role of Youth Voice Advisors at The National Lottery Community Fund, where young people help assess applications, speak directly with applicants, and influence funding decisions to change lives across the UK. Our host, Lily Mott, is joined by three brilliant guests who bring different perspectives to this work. Youth Voice Advisors Fatemah and Ffion reflect on their journeys in the role so far. Nadine, who works on the UK Fund programme, shares how Youth Voice Advisors are embedded into grantmaking processes and how their insights are changing how staff think, learn, and make decisions. Together, they explore what youth involvement in grantmaking actually looks like in practice: from peer reviewing applications and leading calls with young people, to evaluating meaningful youth participation. They explore how being trusted with real influence builds confidence, shifts power, and changes the way organisations understand communities. This episode is an honest look at what happens when young people are not just heard, but believed, respected, and trusted to help shape decisions. We see how that impact is felt not only by young people, but by staff, systems, and funders. For more information about: The National Lottery Community Fund: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk The National Lottery Community Fund’s Approach to Youth Voice: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/news/from-decision-making-to-culture-change-developing-our-approach-to-youth-voice Be the change. Media Network: https://www.bethechangemedianetwork.com/ Follow The National Lottery Community Fund on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram and LinkedIn. Subscribe to this podcast and join us for more stories of youth-led change, community, and the power of social action.