Manchester's
Rising Stars Fund
About the MRSF
The Manchester’s Rising Stars Fund is unique. It supports ambitious, talented 15 to 22 year olds to achieve their potential - by funding vital equipment, training and resources to enable them take their next steps to success in Work, Qualifications or Entrepreneurship, via grants of up to £5,000. Latest information on the £5,000 limit can be read here.
We support young people whose family or personal circumstances mean they cannot finance the items they need by themselves. We enable them to overcome some of the financial barriers to progress they face.
In 2022/23, the Fund's second year, we have committed an additional £150,000 to the Fund to provide vital, practical support to young Mancunians who have been impacted so heavily by the Pandemic.
Past Awardees
We've already awarded dozens of grants to ambitious young Mancunians since we launched in January 2021. We offer grants from £50 to £5,000, for kit, courses, qualifications and many other things. But whatever form our grants take, one thing never changes - the commitment and ambition of our Rising Stars.
We've selected a broad range of Rising Stars below. Read their stories and explore the fields in which our city's future are pursuing and excelling in!
Maria
Our first ever ambassador, Maria had huge barriers to overcome. Our support, with her drive and intelligence, made a big difference.
Tully
One of our many sporty Rising Stars, Tully is a Team GB Para-swimmer! We've been proud to support her to live her life to the fullest.
B*
B* was our first repeat awardee. He is a perfect example of the sustainability the fund promotes, and definitely one to watch!
Caine
Manchester's creative sector is booming - our Rising Stars reflect that. Budding games designer Caine is using his creative talent to shine!
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Helena
The cultural output of our city speaks for itself - and so do our Rising Stars! Helena aims to be the latest in a long line of Manc music royalty.
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Kianna
We've funded many young people to remove barriers in their chosen vocational pathways. Kianna's route to self-employment is just one.
How To Apply
Basic Criteria:
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Aged 15 – 22 (or up to 25 with lived experience of homelessness)
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Applicants need to Live in the City of Manchester 🔗
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Applicants need to have a clear and realistic ambition or goal around employment, education, training or entrepreneurship.
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Applicants need to demonstrate inability to access funds themselves due to personal or family circumstances
Please read the full guidance before you download the application form below. We are very happy to discuss applications before submission – email welovemcrcharity@manchester.gov.uk and we will get back to you to have a chat. We look at applications monthly, click below for deadline dates.
Good luck!
MRSF Guidance
Application
Form
Deadline Dates
Referral Partnership Network
There are many brilliant organisations supporting young people across Manchester. We believe that by building the MRSF into their own offer, these organisations can strengthen their offer, build on 'Skills For Life' and further help young people to step up into future success.
We Love MCR works with a number of these organisations through our referral partnership network, to help them identify the right young people to refer to the Fund. We work with youth organisations, universities, colleges and housing providers to provide guidance and support around applications, maximising young people’s chances of success!
To find out more about the referral partnership network and how to join, check out our referral partnership flyer below and email your sign-up form to welovemcrcharity@manchester.gov.uk
Referral Flyer
Sign-up
Form
 The Manchester CollegeThe largest further education college in the UK and the number one provider of 16-19 and adult education in Greater Manchester. |
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 Manchester Youth Zone |
 Manchester Young Lives |
 One Manchester |
 SODA (School Of Digital Arts) |
 SENDCode |
 N-Gage |
 BedspaceBedspace provide vulnerable young people with avenues into secure housing, and provide them with opportunities to develop skills that can improve their situations. |
 Southway Housing |
 City In The Community |
 MAD Youth Theatre |
 Groundwork GM |
 Diane Modahl Sports Foundation |
Testimonials
Messages from our Rising Stars
Mariam, Rising Star
"All the years I have been in education, my main fear was not being able to afford the tools I need to be successful in university.
I couldn't be more thankful to We Love MCR for their generous award, allowing me to support my family every way I can."
Olivia, Rising Star
"I’d like to thank the We Love MCR Charity for instilling hope in the young people of our city.
The Manchester Rising Stars Fund is the future and I hope that people are inspired by the work they’re doing."
Abdi, Rising Star
"I want to say a huge thank you to We Love MCR Charity for being so generous and taking a chance on me.
Being awarded this grant for professional photographic equipment will push my work and creative practice further!"