Deadline: 05-Mar-2026

The CDL Fund, delivered in partnership with Forever Manchester, is offering grants of up to £1,000 to grassroots community groups in Stockport and selected neighbouring areas. The fund supports projects focused on digital inclusion, older people, children and young people, stronger communities, and the environment. Eligible applicants must be small, locally controlled organisations with an annual income below £150,000.

Community groups across Stockport are invited to apply for the latest round of the CDL Fund, delivered in partnership with Forever Manchester.

The fund provides small but meaningful grants to strengthen local communities and improve quality of life.

Funding is provided by Cheshire Datasystems Limited (CDL), a Stockport-based insurance software company, as part of its corporate social responsibility commitment.

What Is the CDL Fund?

The CDL Fund is a small grants programme designed to support:

• Grassroots community initiatives

• Locally led voluntary groups

• Community wellbeing projects

• Activities that improve local health outcomes

Grants of up to £1,000 are available.

The programme prioritises modest, practical support that enables small groups to deliver impactful local projects.

Funding Priorities

Projects must contribute positively to at least one of the following areas:

1. Digital Inclusion

Activities that improve access to digital tools, skills, or services.

2. Older People

Initiatives that support wellbeing, inclusion, or quality of life for older residents.

3. Children and Young People

Projects that benefit young people’s development, wellbeing, or opportunities.

4. Stronger Communities

Activities that build community connections, volunteering, and local engagement.

5. The Environment

Community-led environmental improvements or sustainability initiatives.

The Fund is flexible, allowing groups to design projects that respond directly to local needs, provided outcomes are clear and positive.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Organisations

Applicants must:

• Be grassroots community or voluntary groups

• Be locally controlled and manage their own activities

• Encourage community involvement and volunteering

• Be based in the borough of Stockport

• Have an annual income of less than £150,000

Additional Geographic Consideration

Although the Fund primarily supports Stockport groups, applications will also be considered from adjoining neighbourhoods in:

• Denton (Tameside)

• Hyde (Tameside)

• Wythenshawe (Manchester)

• Didsbury (Manchester)

• Withington (Manchester)

• Fallowfield (Manchester)

Who Is Not Eligible?

Based on the provided information, funding is not intended for:

• Large organisations with annual income above £150,000

• Organisations not locally controlled

• Groups operating outside the eligible geographic areas

Why This Fund Matters

The CDL Fund strengthens local communities by:

• Supporting small-scale, community-led action

• Enabling volunteer-driven initiatives

• Improving health and wellbeing outcomes

• Encouraging local ownership of projects

By offering small grants, the Fund enables grassroots groups to deliver tangible improvements without requiring large-scale funding.

How to Apply for the CDL Fund

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organisation:

• Is locally controlled

• Is based in an eligible area

• Has annual income under £150,000

Step 2: Align With Funding Priorities

Design a project that supports:

• Digital inclusion

• Older people

• Children and young people

• Stronger communities

• The environment

Step 3: Demonstrate Local Impact

Clearly explain:

• The community need

• The proposed activity

• The expected positive outcomes

Step 4: Submit Application

Apply through the CDL Fund round delivered in partnership with Forever Manchester.

(Refer to official CDL Fund or Forever Manchester channels for application deadlines and submission details.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying from outside eligible geographic areas

• Failing to demonstrate clear community benefit

• Proposing activities unrelated to the listed priorities

• Applying as a large organisation exceeding income limits

• Submitting projects without evidence of local involvement or volunteering

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much funding is available?

Grants of up to £1,000 are available per group.

2. Who funds the CDL Fund?

The fund is provided by Cheshire Datasystems Limited (CDL) and delivered in partnership with Forever Manchester.

3. What types of projects are supported?

Projects related to digital inclusion, older people, children and young people, stronger communities, and environmental initiatives.

4. Can groups outside Stockport apply?

Primarily, the fund supports Stockport groups. Applications from specific neighbouring areas in Tameside and Manchester will also be considered.

5. Is there an income limit?

Yes. Eligible organisations must have an annual income of less than £150,000.

6. Are large charities eligible?

The fund is designed for small, grassroots, locally controlled organisations.

7. Does the project need to involve volunteers?

Yes. The fund supports organisations that encourage community involvement and volunteering.

Conclusion

The CDL Fund offers accessible, small-scale funding of up to £1,000 to grassroots community groups in Stockport and selected neighbouring areas.

By supporting digital inclusion, wellbeing, young people, environmental action, and stronger communities, the fund enables locally led initiatives to deliver measurable and meaningful improvements for residents.

Eligible small organisations are encouraged to apply and propose projects that respond directly to community needs.

For more information, visit Forever Manchester.