Deadline: 16-Jun-2026
The Merseyside Community Investment Fund is inviting applications from community groups and organisations working to address social challenges and improve the quality of life across the Liverpool City Region. The fund supports grassroots projects that tackle disadvantage, strengthen communities, and create lasting positive change through practical local initiatives.
By bringing together contributions from businesses, organisations, and individuals, the fund provides financial support to projects that may struggle to secure funding from traditional sources while delivering meaningful benefits to local communities.
About the Fund
The Merseyside Community Investment Fund is designed to support community-led projects that respond to local needs and improve outcomes for residents across the region.
The fund focuses on:
- Tackling disadvantage and deprivation
- Supporting vulnerable and underrepresented groups
- Community development and engagement
- Local problem-solving initiatives
- Social inclusion
- Innovative community projects
- Ongoing community activities
- Grassroots organisations
- Community participation and empowerment
The fund particularly supports projects that demonstrate clear community benefits and encourage residents to play an active role in improving their local areas.
Funding Information
Eligible organisations can apply for:
- Grants of up to £3,000
Funding is intended for specific projects and activities rather than general organisational costs.
The programme is competitive, and priority is given to projects that demonstrate strong community impact and address identified local needs.
Priority Areas
The fund supports projects that:
- Address social disadvantage and deprivation
- Support young people
- Support older people
- Support people with disabilities
- Encourage community involvement
- Improve local neighbourhoods
- Deliver ongoing activities rather than one-off events
- Respond to urgent community concerns
- Create measurable local benefits
Projects should clearly demonstrate how they will make a positive difference within their communities.
Who Can Apply?
The fund is intended for viable community groups and organisations operating within the Liverpool City Region.
Priority may be given to:
- Community organisations with limited financial reserves
- Groups facing challenges accessing traditional funding
- Local organisations delivering community-based services
- Innovative projects addressing unmet community needs
Applicants should be able to demonstrate sound governance and the capacity to successfully deliver their proposed project.
Geographic Coverage
Projects must benefit communities within the Liverpool City Region, including:
- Halton
- Knowsley
- Liverpool
- Sefton
- St Helens
- Wirral
Projects should have a clear local focus and demonstrate benefits for residents within these areas.
Eligible Projects
The fund supports projects that:
- Deliver practical community benefits
- Address local social issues
- Encourage active community participation
- Provide ongoing services or activities
- Support disadvantaged individuals and groups
- Test innovative approaches to community challenges
- Strengthen local resilience and wellbeing
Projects should demonstrate sustainability and a realistic plan for delivery.
Ineligible Activities and Organisations
The following are not eligible for funding:
- Statutory organisations or activities that are the responsibility of statutory bodies
- Organisations with fewer than three unrelated trustees, directors, or management committee members
- Community Interest Companies (CICs) limited by shares
- National organisations without local governance or autonomy in Merseyside
- Commercial ventures designed for personal profit
- Vehicle purchase or maintenance costs
- Activities that have already taken place before a grant offer is made
- Politically connected activities
- Exclusively religious activities
- Organisations established primarily for the benefit of animals or plants
- Debt repayment and liabilities
- Reclaimable VAT costs
- Travel outside the United Kingdom
- Gifts, prizes, or activities intended solely for entertainment
Applicants should ensure their project aligns with the fund’s eligibility requirements before applying.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Community need and impact
- Benefits for disadvantaged communities
- Level of community participation
- Innovation and creativity
- Project viability
- Organisational capacity
- Value for money
- Potential for lasting positive change
Projects that clearly demonstrate strong local benefits and community involvement are likely to be more competitive.
Why This Fund Matters
Many community groups struggle to access funding despite delivering valuable services and support at the local level. The Merseyside Community Investment Fund helps bridge this gap by supporting projects that address urgent social challenges and improve community wellbeing.
By investing in grassroots initiatives, the fund helps strengthen communities, support vulnerable residents, encourage local action, and create sustainable positive change throughout the Liverpool City Region.
Tips for Applicants
- Clearly explain the community need your project addresses.
- Demonstrate how local people will benefit.
- Show evidence of community involvement and support.
- Focus on practical and achievable outcomes.
- Explain how the project will continue to make a difference beyond the funding period.
- Provide a realistic budget linked directly to project activities.
- Highlight any innovative elements of your proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Merseyside Community Investment Fund?
- Community groups and organisations operating within the Liverpool City Region that meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
How much funding is available?
- Eligible projects can apply for grants of up to £3,000.
Which areas are covered by the fund?
- Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, and Wirral.
What types of projects are prioritised?
- Projects addressing disadvantage, supporting vulnerable groups, encouraging community participation, and delivering ongoing local benefits.
Can the fund support one-off events?
- Priority is generally given to ongoing activities rather than one-off events.
Can organisations apply for general running costs?
- No. The fund supports specific projects rather than general organisational operating expenses.
Are commercial businesses eligible?
- No. Commercial ventures intended for personal profit are not eligible for funding.
Conclusion
The Merseyside Community Investment Fund provides grants of up to £3,000 to support community projects that tackle disadvantage, strengthen local communities, and create lasting social impact across the Liverpool City Region. By supporting innovative grassroots initiatives and encouraging active community participation, the fund helps organisations deliver meaningful change where it is needed most.
For more information, visit Community Foundation for Merseyside.
