Deadline: 22-Jul-2026
The Sparking Social Action in Recovery Grant supports people with lived experience of drug and alcohol recovery to design and lead projects that strengthen communities, improve social connections, and create positive local change across Bristol. The fund encourages recovery communities to take action that benefits their neighbourhoods, Communities of Interest, and people in recovery throughout the city.
The programme supports both new and existing initiatives that are shaped by community priorities and led or co-designed by people with lived experience of addiction and recovery.
About the Grant
- The grant supports social action projects led by people in recovery.
- The programme aims to strengthen communities across Bristol.
- Funding helps improve the lives of local people affected by drug and alcohol use.
- Projects should increase social connections and community cohesion.
- The grant encourages community-led solutions to local challenges.
- Funding can support new initiatives or expand existing activities.
- Activities must be designed with meaningful involvement from people with lived experience of recovery.
Grant Objectives
- Support recovery communities to lead positive change.
- Improve community wellbeing and inclusion.
- Strengthen social connections across Bristol.
- Build stronger and more cohesive communities.
- Increase opportunities for participation and engagement.
- Empower people with lived experience to influence local development.
- Support projects that address identified community needs.
- Complement existing community services and activities.
Priority Focus Areas
- Recovery-led community action.
- Community cohesion and inclusion.
- Social connection and relationship building.
- Community development.
- Peer-led initiatives.
- Recovery support activities.
- Neighbourhood improvement projects.
- Community participation and volunteering.
- Activities addressing local needs.
- Projects benefiting people in recovery and the wider community.
What Can the Funding Support?
Funding may support:
- New community-led projects.
- Expansion of successful existing activities.
- Community events and engagement activities.
- Peer support initiatives.
- Volunteering and social action projects.
- Community outreach activities.
- Skills-building and participation opportunities.
- Activities that strengthen recovery communities.
- Projects that bring different communities together.
The programme welcomes creative proposals that respond to community priorities and local needs.
Funding Information
- Up to £5,000 for projects lasting up to one year.
- Up to £10,000 for projects lasting up to two years or for expanding existing activities.
- Larger grants are subject to funding availability and project priorities.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Constituted voluntary organizations.
- Community organizations.
- Registered charities.
- Not-for-profit companies.
- Community Interest Companies (CICs) where most directors receive no payment from the organization.
Applicants must:
- Be based within the Bristol City Council area.
- Deliver activities within Bristol.
- Meet the programme’s governance and eligibility requirements.
Involvement of People with Lived Experience
Projects must:
- Be led by people with lived experience of drug and alcohol use and recovery, or
- Be designed or co-designed with people who have used recovery services in Bristol.
- Demonstrate meaningful involvement throughout planning and delivery.
Small groups or individuals who do not meet eligibility requirements can still participate by:
- Partnering with a charitable organization.
- Using a host organization to submit and manage the application.
- Working through an eligible community organization.
Who Will Benefit?
The grant is intended to support:
- People in recovery from drug and alcohol use.
- Recovery communities across Bristol.
- Local neighbourhoods and communities.
- Community groups and peer networks.
- Individuals experiencing social isolation.
- Communities seeking stronger social connections and inclusion.
Expected Outcomes
Funded projects are expected to contribute to:
- Increased community participation.
- Stronger social connections.
- Improved community cohesion.
- Greater involvement of people with lived experience.
- Enhanced wellbeing and inclusion.
- Stronger recovery communities.
- Positive local social impact.
- Sustainable community-led initiatives.
Why This Grant Matters
- People with lived experience bring valuable insight into community challenges and solutions.
- Recovery communities play an important role in building stronger neighbourhoods.
- Social connections can improve wellbeing and support long-term recovery.
- Community-led projects often create lasting and meaningful change.
- Empowering people in recovery helps reduce stigma and increase participation.
- Strong communities contribute to better outcomes for everyone.
Application Tips
- Demonstrate meaningful involvement of people with lived experience.
- Clearly explain the community need your project will address.
- Show how the project will strengthen social connections.
- Describe expected benefits for people in recovery and the wider community.
- Present realistic activities, timelines, and budgets.
- Explain how the project complements existing local services.
- Highlight community partnerships and local support.
- Focus on sustainable and inclusive outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Sparking Social Action in Recovery Grant?
- It is a funding programme that supports recovery-led social action projects designed to improve communities and strengthen social connections across Bristol.
How much funding can applicants receive?
- Organizations can apply for up to £5,000 for one-year projects and up to £10,000 for two-year projects or activity expansion.
Who can apply?
- Eligible applicants include constituted community organizations, voluntary organizations, registered charities, not-for-profit companies, and eligible Community Interest Companies based in Bristol.
Do projects need to involve people with lived experience?
- Yes. Activities must be led by, designed with, or co-designed with people who have lived experience of drug and alcohol use and recovery services in Bristol.
Can individuals apply directly?
- Individuals and informal groups can apply through an eligible charitable or community organization that agrees to act as a host organization.
What types of activities are supported?
- The programme supports community action projects, peer-led initiatives, community engagement activities, volunteering opportunities, recovery-focused projects, and activities that improve social connections.
Who benefits from the grant?
- Beneficiaries include people in recovery, recovery communities, local residents, neighbourhood groups, and wider Bristol communities.
Conclusion
The Sparking Social Action in Recovery Grant provides an opportunity for recovery communities in Bristol to lead meaningful projects that strengthen social connections, improve community wellbeing, and create positive local change. With funding of up to £10,000, the programme empowers people with lived experience to shape solutions, support recovery, and build stronger and more inclusive communities across the city.
For more information, visit Quartet Community Foundation.
