Audible is inviting registered UK charities to apply for its Open Call, offering £15,000 to £30,000 to organisations that want to integrate audio storytelling into their youth development programming. Selected charities also receive complimentary Audible memberships and implementation support — with applications closing on 31 July 2026.
About the Funder
Audible, an Amazon company, is running the Open Call as a collaboration with UK charities to explore how audio storytelling can expand the way young people see themselves and the world. Rather than a traditional grants programme, it’s framed as a partnership: successful charities work with the Audible team to embed listening experiences into programmes they’re already delivering, backed by funding, free memberships and hands-on support.
What the Fund Supports
The Open Call is aimed at charities that want to integrate audio storytelling into existing youth development programming, for example, using audiobooks and listening experiences to support literacy, confidence, identity or engagement among young people. Programming must run outside formal school settings, such as after-school clubs, community centres or youth organisations, and must be delivered to a group the charity already has an established relationship with, rather than a newly recruited population.
How Much Is Available
Grants range from £15,000 to £30,000, with the amount determined by the scope and reach of the proposed programme. Up to approximately 10% of the grant may be used to cover overhead costs. Funded organisations also receive complimentary Audible memberships and implementation support for their programme.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, organisations must:
- Be a registered charity (with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, OSCR in Scotland, or the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland)
- Serve 150–300 underrepresented young people aged 12–18
- Deliver structured programming outside formal school settings (after-school clubs, community centres, youth organisations)
- Have established relationships with participants — this isn’t for recruiting new populations
- Have the capacity to onboard young people, provide technical support and maintain engagement over a 6-month period
- Be able to commit to data collection and impact reporting
- Have COPPA-compliant data protection protocols in place
- Have no primary political or religious affiliation directing use of the grant
The Application Process
The process runs in two stages, starting 18 June 2026: a full proposal submission, followed by a 60-minute conversation with the Audible team for finalists. Organisations will be notified of the outcome by late August 2026, with programming expected to begin in October 2026.
Applications are submitted online via Audible’s application form. Organisations with questions can contact the Audible team at communityeducation@audible.com.
Key Dates
- Applications close: 31 July 2026, 11:59 PM BST
- Finalist conversations and notifications: through August 2026
- Programming begins: October 2026
