Applications Open: Stronger Spaces Fund for Large Grants (UK)

The Let’s Live Well: Stronger Spaces Fund provides capital grants of up to £20,000 to voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in Whitefield to improve community buildings and shared spaces. The programme supports projects that increase accessibility, strengthen digital capacity, improve community facilities, and create more sustainable spaces for local residents.

The funding helps community organisations adapt and enhance their venues through practical improvements such as accessibility upgrades, digital installations, energy efficiency measures, kitchen improvements, storage solutions, and outdoor community space enhancements.

About the Let’s Live Well: Stronger Spaces Fund

The Let’s Live Well: Stronger Spaces Fund is a community infrastructure grant programme designed to support VCSE organisations in Whitefield.

The fund provides capital funding for improvements that make community buildings safer, more inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and better equipped to meet local needs.

Unlike revenue funding, which supports everyday operating costs, this grant focuses on physical improvements and fixed assets that create long-term community benefits.

Key Objectives of the Fund

The Stronger Spaces Fund aims to:

Improve accessibility and inclusion in community venues.
Strengthen community facilities and spaces.
Support digital transformation of local organisations.
Improve the ability of buildings to host activities and services.
Encourage environmentally sustainable community spaces.
Increase the long-term value of community assets.

Funding Available

Eligible organisations can apply for:

Maximum grant amount: Up to £20,000
Funding type: Capital grant
Purpose: Improvement, adaptation, and enhancement of community buildings and spaces

The funding is intended for projects that provide lasting benefits for communities in Whitefield.

Types of Projects Supported

The fund supports a range of capital improvement projects, including:

Accessibility Improvements

Examples include:

Improvements that make buildings easier to access.
Adaptations for people with disabilities.
Changes that create more inclusive community spaces.

Digital Improvements

Projects may include:

Installation of Wi-Fi facilities.
Audio-visual equipment.
Digital technology upgrades.
Equipment that improves community learning and engagement.

Community Facility Improvements

Eligible projects may include:

Kitchen upgrades.
Storage improvements.
Fixed community equipment.
Improvements that allow buildings to provide more activities and services.

Climate and Sustainability Improvements

Funding can support:

Energy efficiency measures.
Sustainable building improvements.
Outdoor community space improvements.
Projects that reduce environmental impact.

Who Is Eligible?

The fund is open to constituted voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations located in the Whitefield neighbourhood.

Eligible areas include:

Whitefield
Besses
Pilkington Park
Unsworth

Applicants must:

Be a constituted VCSE organisation.
Operate within the eligible Whitefield area.
Have an organisational bank account with two unrelated signatories, or access to a holding account through a supporting organisation.
Be up to date with grant reporting requirements to Bury VCFA.
Submit a completed application by the deadline.
Own the building or have permission from the landlord or property owner to complete the proposed improvements.

Why This Fund Matters

Community buildings play an important role in supporting local wellbeing, social connection, education, and community services.

Investment through the Stronger Spaces Fund helps organisations:

Create welcoming and accessible spaces.
Improve services for local residents.
Increase community participation.
Support digital inclusion.
Reduce environmental impact.
Strengthen local community networks.

Eligible Community Organisations

The fund is suitable for organisations such as:

Community groups.
Local voluntary organisations.
Social enterprises.
Community centres.
Other not-for-profit organisations providing community benefit.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm that the organisation:

Is a constituted VCSE organisation.
Is based in the eligible Whitefield neighbourhood.
Meets the financial and governance requirements.

Step 2: Identify a Suitable Capital Project

Develop a project that clearly improves the community building or space.

The proposal should explain:

What improvements will be made.
Why the improvements are needed.
How residents will benefit.
How the project creates long-term value.

Step 3: Confirm Property Permission

Applicants must confirm that they:

Own the building, or
Have written approval from the landlord or property owner.

Step 4: Prepare Supporting Information

Applications should include:

Project details.
Expected community outcomes.
Cost estimates.
Evidence of organisational eligibility.
Any required permissions.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

Applications must be completed and submitted by:

11 September

Activities and Costs Not Supported

The fund does not support:

Major new construction projects.
Large-scale refurbishments.
Retrospective funding for completed work.
Debt repayment.
Routine maintenance.
General operating costs.
Vehicle purchases.
Car park developments.
Projects with limited public benefit.
Decorative improvements without clear community value.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Clearly explain the benefit to local residents.
Demonstrate how the project improves community access and participation.
Provide realistic and detailed project costs.
Explain long-term benefits after the grant period.
Highlight digital, accessibility, or environmental improvements.
Include all required permissions and supporting documents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

Applying for projects outside the eligible area.
Requesting funding for routine repairs or maintenance.
Submitting incomplete applications.
Applying for costs that are not capital-related.
Failing to demonstrate community benefit.
Starting work before funding approval.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Let’s Live Well: Stronger Spaces Fund?

The Let’s Live Well: Stronger Spaces Fund is a capital grant programme that supports Whitefield VCSE organisations to improve community buildings and spaces.

How much funding is available?

Eligible organisations can apply for capital grants of up to £20,000.

Who can apply for the grant?

Constituted VCSE organisations based in Whitefield, including Besses, Pilkington Park, and Unsworth, can apply if they meet the eligibility requirements.

What types of improvements can be funded?

Funding can support accessibility upgrades, digital equipment, kitchen improvements, storage solutions, fixed equipment, energy efficiency measures, and outdoor community space improvements.

Can the grant fund daily running costs?

No. The funding is for capital improvements and cannot be used for general operating expenses or routine maintenance.

Does an organisation need permission to improve a building?

Yes. Organisations must own the building or have permission from the landlord or property owner before carrying out improvements.

Can completed projects receive funding?

No. Retrospective funding for projects that have already taken place is not eligible.

Conclusion

The Let’s Live Well: Stronger Spaces Fund provides up to £20,000 in capital grants to help Whitefield VCSE organisations improve community buildings and spaces. By supporting accessibility, digital improvements, sustainability measures, and community-focused upgrades, the programme helps create stronger, more inclusive spaces that deliver long-term benefits for local residents.