The Atom Futures Fund is open
We’re pleased to welcome the return of the Atom Futures Fund, delivered in partnership with Atom bank. This fund supports sixth-form students from low-income backgrounds in County Durham as they take the next steps towards a Russell Group university.
In 2024, Atom bank provided £10,000 in support through the Atom Futures Fund. The overwhelming response and quality of applications last year has led us at Point North to increase our match funding, ensuring even more students can benefit from the programme in 2025.
The deadline to apply for the Atom Futures Fund is Sunday 6 April 2025
Click to go to the Grants page and read more about how to apply
The Atom Futures Fund was created to level the playing field for students who have the talent and ambition to succeed at a Russell Group university but may face financial barriers in the application process. The fund specifically supports young people who:
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Are from low-income backgrounds
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Have experience in the care system
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Act as carers for a family member
A 2024 recipient of the fund said:
“The Atom Futures Fund recognises that ability, not background, is what matters.
“You putting your faith in me is not something I take lightly. It means that you see me for who I am, and believe my potential is a worthy investment.”
Apply to the Atom Futures Fund
Applications are now open for Part One of the Atom Futures Fund, which provides a £250 financial incentive to at least 20 eligible Year 13 students in County Durham who are applying to any of the 24 Russell Group universities.
This funding can be used for crucial aspects of the university application process, including:
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Interview preparation
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Travel expenses for university visits or interviews
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Study materials
You could benefit from this support if you are a Year 13 student in County Durham applying to a Russell Group university.
Together, we make a difference
At Point North, we know that poverty and its consequences steal futures. Our funding helps to interrupt that cycle, ensuring that young people can access the education they deserve without financial worry holding them back.
"We’re thrilled to build on the success of the first round of the Atom Futures Fund by increasing our match funding so that, together with Atom bank, we can support even more students from County Durham into Russell Group Universities.
Poverty and its consequences steal people’s futures. Our grants help to interrupt that cycle.
By removing the money worries and financial barriers that stop people from accessing or pursuing opportunities, we ensure that our young people's futures are bright and full of promise.
The Atom Futures Fund makes sure it's talent and ambition, not background, that determine a young person's future.
We look forward to seeing the difference the fund makes in the years to come as we follow the journeys of talented County Durham students."
How to apply
The deadline to apply is Sunday 6 April 2025. Please visit our Grants pages to find out more.
