The Youth Opportunity and Capital Funds provide discrete revenue and capital budgets for young people to control and decide how money should be spent on positive activities and youth facilities in their area. Funded activities must support the five Every Child Matters outcomes, benefit the local community and offer good value for money.

The involvement of young people, especially disadvantaged young people, is central to the Funds. Giving young people genuine influence over local services is recognised as the most effective way of ensuring better access and increasing participation in positive activities.