Children's charities are being invited to bid for three grants of £500,000 by BBC Children in Need and venture philanthropy organisation the Hunter Foundation.

The three-year grants programme, called Positive Destinations, aims to fund innovative and effective projects to boost the future chances of vulnerable young people. Projects can either offer a holistic response or target key life stages such as pre-school, the transition from primary to secondary school, or the 14-16 age range.

The charities are also offering three smaller grants adding up to £500,000 in total. Each winning project will be independently evaluated.

The collaboration came about after Sir Tom Hunter, Scotland’s richest man, pledged £1m to the BBC Children in Need appeal.

Ewan Hunter, chief executive of the Hunter Foundation, said: “Every young person deserves the chance to shine. Hopefully, Positive Destinations can show there are ways of making that a reality on a small scale – which can be adopted on a larger scale in the future.”

For more information see Third Sector or email Children in Need.