Community grants and funding
This year South Ribble Borough Council is launching a new Community Grant Scheme to strengthen local support for vulnerable residents and empower grassroots organisations.
You can apply for a grant of between £5,000 and £20,000
Our aim
The scheme will invest in the voluntary and community sector to:
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support vulnerable people including older residents, those with disabilities, low-income households, socially isolated individuals, and at-risk young people
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build stronger, more resilient communities by enabling local organisations to respond flexibly to needs
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promote health, wellbeing, and inclusion through activities that reduce isolation and improve access to services
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develop long-term capacity within the voluntary and community sector.
Objectives
The grants will focus on projects that:
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reduce social isolation and loneliness.
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improve mental health and wellbeing through accessible community support.
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enhance and improve community spaces for vulnerable residents.
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provide inclusive activities for children and young people with SEND, complementing the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
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remove barriers to employment, education, and training for vulnerable young people.
Expected outcomes
By funding local projects, we aim to achieve:
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improved wellbeing and reduced isolation for vulnerable residents.
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greater access to community-based mental health support.
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enhanced provision for children and young people with SEND.
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practical support enabling young people to engage with education and work opportunities.
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stronger, better-connected communities with inclusive spaces for all.
Round 1 - Expected timeline (dates subject to change)
- 30 January 2026 - Applications open.
- 1 March 2026 - Applications close
- We will aim to inform all applicants of the decision within 4 weeks of the application process closing.
- 1 April 2026 - Projects begin
Priorities:
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tackling social isolation, especially among older residents.
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enhancing inclusive and accessible community spaces.
Round 2 - Expected timeline (dates subject to change)
- applications launching by 31 May 2026.
- projects to begin from 1 July 2026.
Priorities:
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expanding mental health support in community settings.
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supporting vulnerable young people with costs associated with accessing education, employment or training.
Eligibility criteria
To be considered for a funding award, applicants must:
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be based or working within South Ribble. This means delivering services which are targeted at and directly benefit residents of South Ribble locally.
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be a registered charity, voluntary, community, faith, or social enterprise sector group/organisation.
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organisations that are not eligible include those that are trading as a commercial business, local authorities, and organisations that are wholly funded by a local authority or council. Awards will not be made to private individuals.
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have a bank account registered to their group or organisation with at least two unrelated signatories.
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ensure that it addresses one or more of the key outcomes.
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ensure the project is based on local need.
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demonstrate the positive impacts which will be made through the project.
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the council must be satisfied that the applicant has the necessary expertise and resources to see the project through to successful completion.
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projects must either be sustainable after funding ends or be self-sufficient upon completion.
Apply for a community grant
Applications are completed using an online form which will take approximately 40 minutes to complete.
If using the system for the first time you will be asked to register before completing the application.
The application form will ask you to describe your project in detail.
You will also be asked to upload compliance information documents which will be listed before you begin the application.
If you need any support with the application form please contact our grants team on communitygrants@southribble.gov.uk
Round one applications are now open for: