Grantmaking on Tour: Taking Decision Making to Schools
Last month, we took a bold new step in our participatory grantmaking journey; we brought decision making into Camden schools for the very first time.
Our aims were simple. We wanted to give young people who we would not usually connect with a meaningful role in deciding how funding is distributed in Camden. We also wanted to show that young people know exactly what they want. You just need to ask them.
Our First School Visit: Haverstock School
Fuelled by pizza on Day 1 and fried chicken, sweets, and fizzy drinks on Day 2, our first stop on the tour was Haverstock School. We worked with 20 students, all aged 16 to 19, introducing them to the principles of grantmaking and guiding them through the decision-making process.
Over two sessions, students learned about charitable structures, what grantmaking is, and how to assess funding proposals. They debated priorities and made collective decisions. These skills are vital not only to grantmaking, but also to civic engagement more broadly.
Together, the students reviewed applications requesting up to £2,000 for projects meeting the ‘We Make Camden Kit: Opportunities for Children and Young People’ mission. After thoughtful discussions and careful scoring, they awarded funding to five projects they felt would make the biggest impact. Their insight and critical thinking reminded us that young people bring fresh perspectives and strong values to funding decisions.
All students were paid £16.05 per hour for their participation, which is above the London Living Wage. For many, this was their first ever earned income.
Student Voices: Fun, Eye-Opening, Empowering
The students described the process as “fun, eye-opening, and empowering.” Many were surprised to learn they could directly influence which community projects receive funding, and they valued seeing real ideas come to life.
Participants highlighted learning about grantmaking processes, understanding how funds are used, and gaining practical skills such as evaluating applications. When asked what they would change for young people in Camden, responses focused on creating more activities, increasing job opportunities, improving safety, and providing accessible work experience. Overall, the experience inspired confidence, independence, and a sense that young people can truly make a positive impact on their community.
Next Steps
This month, we will be awarding grants with sixth form students at William Ellis before heading to Acland Burghley in November. We are excited to build on this first session and explore new ways of embedding participatory approaches in schools and beyond.
If you are a grantmaking organisation looking to deepen your community impact, we encourage you to consider how participatory models can bring new voices, especially those of young people, into your funding decisions. If you want to talk to us about how we can support you with this, please contact Danielle@camdengiving.org.uk
A couple of lessons learnt
A few insights for anyone interested in grantmaking in schools:
Some schools’ WiFi blocks social media, which can make reviewing applicants’ websites, social pages, and YouTube videos more challenging.
Young people want to get up and move after a long day in school. Make the training as interactive as possible.
Fewer young people attend local youth clubs than you might think.