Deadline: 20-May-2026
The Community Capacity Micro-grants programme supports local organisations delivering activities that improve health, wellbeing, and community connection across Northumberland.
The programme aims to:
- Reduce social isolation
- Improve physical wellbeing
- Prevent frailty in older adults
- Strengthen community support networks
- Increase volunteering opportunities
- Support independent living
- Improve access to local services
Funding Details
Eligible organisations can apply for:
- Grants from £500 to £5,000
Projects must take place between:
- 1 July 2026 and 31 March 2027
Funding may support:
- Community events
- Workshops
- Venue hire
- Staffing costs
- Activity resources
- Sports equipment
- Art materials
- Expanded community services
Eligible Activities
Supported activities may include:
- Walking groups
- Armchair exercise classes
- Community choirs
- Craft groups
- Warm spaces
- Benefit support sessions
- Volunteering programmes
- Wellbeing activities
- Community outreach initiatives
Projects should help residents remain active, connected, and independent.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Constituted community groups
- Non-profit organisations based in Northumberland
Applicants must:
- Have a registered bank account
- Deliver activities within Northumberland
- Make activities accessible through Northumberland Frontline
Only one application per organisation is permitted per funding round.
Organisations currently funded under the first tranche of the programme are not eligible to apply again. However, unsuccessful first-round applicants may reapply.
Priority Areas
Priority will be given to projects that:
- Support volunteering opportunities
- Reach communities experiencing greatest need
- Strengthen local community networks
- Improve wellbeing and inclusion
- Increase community-based support services
Additional Requirements
Successful applicants must:
- Provide monitoring and evaluation information
- Complete Communities First training
- Complete Making Every Contact Count (MECC) training
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Develop a community wellbeing project
- Demonstrate local need and community impact
- Prepare a project budget and delivery plan
- Ensure eligibility requirements are met
- Submit an application before the deadline
Strong applications should demonstrate:
- Community engagement
- Clear wellbeing outcomes
- Accessibility and inclusion
- Volunteer involvement
- Sustainable local impact
Tips for Applicants
To improve your application:
- Focus on practical community benefits
- Include volunteering opportunities
- Target isolated or vulnerable residents
- Demonstrate measurable outcomes
- Show strong local partnerships
- Explain how the project supports independent living
Avoid unclear project plans or activities without direct community wellbeing impact.
FAQ
How much funding is available?
Organisations can apply for grants between £500 and £5,000.
Who can apply?
Constituted community groups and non-profit organisations based in Northumberland are eligible.
What activities are supported?
Activities supporting wellbeing, physical activity, social connection, volunteering, and independent living are encouraged.
When must projects take place?
Projects must run between 1 July 2026 and 31 March 2027.
Can previously unsuccessful applicants apply again?
Yes. Organisations unsuccessful in the first tranche may submit a new application.
Are training requirements included?
Yes. Successful applicants must complete Communities First and MECC training.
Conclusion
The Community Capacity Micro-grants programme helps Northumberland organisations deliver local activities that improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, and strengthen community support networks. Through small-scale funding, the initiative aims to help residents stay connected, active, and independent while building stronger local communities.
For more information, visit Thriving Together.