We’re passionate about helping you make a difference in your neighbourhood—and one way we do that is through community funding.
This funding supports local ideas and projects that bring people together, improve outdoor spaces, and help community groups thrive. It’s all part of our commitment to listening to your voice, putting you at the heart of what we do, and making sure our resources are used in ways that truly benefit you.
Over the past year, we invested £111,546 into local communities through three key funding streams:
Community Fund
Grants of up to £500 are available for anyone with an idea to benefit their local area. 139 applications approved were approved in the last year with £79,397 awarded.
Local Improvement Fund
Grants of up to £3,000 are available to improve outdoor spaces—think community gardens, bike tracks, signage and more. In the last year, 10 applications approved with £26,625 being awarded.
Running Costs Grant
Grants of up to £500 for community groups, or £1,000 are available for those running a building, to help with insurance, marketing, and meeting costs. In the last year, 11 applications were approved with £5,524 being awarded.
When we first met J, he was often seen with peers involved in anti-social behaviour and not engaging in any structured activities. Over time, through gentle encouragement and consistent presence, J began participating in football sessions. His transformation has been remarkable: from hesitant observer to confident leader. He now supports new participants and has found a sense of purpose and pride.
“Before this, I didn’t really do anything after school. We were just out on the street. But now I’ve got something to do, and I’ve met people who actually talk to me, not at me. I feel like I’ve changed a bit.” — J
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“We used the £500 from the Running Costs Grant to secure public liability insurance and print flyers. It helped us attract new members and junior volunteers—it’s made a big difference to our youth club.”
— Janine Conway, Fitton Hill Junior Youth Club Chair
2
Jamie’s “Cadishead in a Different Light” project brought together local partners to run an art workshop focused on mental wellbeing. Using the Community Fund, it led to a beautiful memorial bench in Prince’s Park, decorated by a local artist and featuring QR codes linking to mental health support.
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With a £500 grant from the Local Area Improvement Fund, the Thornby Avenue Community Vegetable Garden upgraded their polytunnel and increased food production. They now share fresh produce with the Salvation Army and Great Places Food Kitchen.
Last year, Community Voice members helped us improve the Local Improvement Fund application process. Thanks to their feedback, we’ve updated the form and added a new Declaration of Interest to ensure fairness and transparency.
We’re also working with our marketing team to raise awareness of the funding available—and we’d love your help spreading the word!
Funding for 2025/26
We’re increasing our support this year, with a total budget of £159,053:
Community Fund – £109,178
Local Improvement Fund – £34,875
Community Group Grant Fund – £15,000
Want to get involved?
If you or someone you know has a great idea to benefit your community, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our website or email communities@forhousing.co.uk to connect with your local Community Development Officer.
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20/01/2026
Come and chat with me about work, training and volunteering in Fitton Hill
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