Setting up a YouthBank in your organisation

1. What is a host organisation?

The host organisation will either be led directly by young people or be experienced in participative work with them.  Examples include statutory youth organisations or voluntary community organisations.  Host organisations will provide a key person (a co-ordinator) to support a committee of young grant-makers.  The host organisation will also provide a place for the group to meet, and administrative and other professional support as required.  Some YouthBanks are hosted by one main organisation, others by a partnership of local organisations.

2. Ethos of a Host organisation

The host organisation will be expected to seek the participation of young people from all backgrounds, abilities, educational attainments and minority groups, taking account of the youth population profile of the area of benefit.  Particular attention will be needed to reach and involve young people who might otherwise be excluded from such opportunities because of the disadvantage and/or social exclusion they experience. To find out more read our publications 'What is YouthBank?' and 'Beyond Borders' for more detailed reading).

3. Steps to becoming a host organisation

1. 1. Submit an application for a licence agreement to run a YouthBank
   2. If successful you will sign & return licence agreement
   3. Secure programme costs (see point 5 below) for minimum of 2 years
   4. Arrange venue for YouthBank meetings
   5. Select co-ordinator/s. Min 6 hours per week on YouthBank
   6. Abide by YouthBank Golden Rules 
   7. Make quarterly returns
   8. Participate in annual review process
   9. Commit to taking active part in the YouthBank network

4. Support and training from YouthBank Team

• A licence to operate as a YouthBank and use the YouthBank name and YouthBank logo & branding
• A training course for YouthBank co-ordinator/s within 6 months of receiving the licence agreement
• A YouthBank Toolkit and access to other YouthBank resources and materials
• Access to own mini-website as part of the Youthbank website
• Access to the electronic YouthBank Information Centre
• Access to a range of training opportunities
• Opportunity for YouthBank members to be part of the YouthBank Forum Steering Group
• Ongoing support from YouthBank Development Officer, providing tailored support to meet specific needs of YouthBank.

5. Financial commitment

In the license agreement the host organisation will need to indicate how the YouthBank will be financially supported over a minimum 2 year period.  The minimum amount required is £10 000 / €12 000 per year.  75% should be allocated to grant spend and 25% for YouthBank support costs such as publicity; training; residential costs; transport etc.  We encourage all YouthBank members to fundraise for their committee also.  It supports the costs of running the YouthBank and provides a sense of ownership to group members.

6. Co-ordinators Role:  Please see Becoming a Co-ordinator 

The co-ordinator needs to have experience in group facilitation and working with young people in a participative and inclusive way.  The co-ordinator’s role is not to lead the group and make all the key decisions but instead to support, train and guide the group, providing an environment for them to be confident to make their own decisions as a YouthBank Committee.