Apply now for Stronger Spaces Fund for Small Grants (United Kingdom)

The Let’s Live Well: Stronger Spaces Fund – Small Grants provides capital grants of up to £1,000 to voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in the Whitefield area of Bury, UK. The fund supports small-scale improvements to community buildings and spaces that increase accessibility, digital capacity, sustainability, and the ability to deliver services that benefit local residents.

About the Let’s Live Well: Stronger Spaces Fund

The Let’s Live Well: Stronger Spaces Fund – Small Grants supports community organisations in Whitefield by providing funding for improvements to local buildings and shared spaces.

The programme is designed to help VCSE organisations create welcoming, inclusive, and sustainable community environments where residents can access support, participate in activities, and connect with others.

The funding focuses on practical capital improvements that strengthen community infrastructure and improve local wellbeing.

Programme Objectives

The fund aims to:

Improve community buildings and spaces.
Make local facilities more inclusive and accessible.
Increase the ability of organisations to respond to community needs.
Support digitally enabled community spaces.
Improve environmental sustainability.
Create safer and more welcoming neighbourhood facilities.
Strengthen community-led services.

Funding Information

The programme provides:

Maximum grant amount: Up to £1,000
Total available funding: Approximately £10,000
Expected number of funded projects: Up to 10 projects

The grants are intended for small-scale capital improvements that create long-term benefits for community spaces.

Priority Areas

Projects should support one or more of the following areas:

Inclusive Community Spaces

Funding can help organisations make spaces more accessible and welcoming by supporting:

Accessibility improvements.
Adaptations for people with disabilities.
Safety improvements.
Changes that improve community participation.

Digital Community Spaces

Funding may support:

Digital equipment.
Technology improvements.
Equipment that helps residents access digital services.
Improved digital capacity for community activities.

Community Capacity Building

Projects can help organisations:

Increase their ability to meet local needs.
Improve facilities used by residents.
Enhance community activities and services.
Create better spaces for community engagement.

Climate Sustainability

Funding can support improvements that help community spaces become more environmentally sustainable, including:

Energy efficiency measures.
Sustainability improvements.
Better use of outdoor community areas.

Eligible Capital Improvements

Examples of eligible costs include:

Accessibility upgrades.
Safety improvements.
Digital equipment.
Kitchen improvements.
Storage solutions.
Fixed community equipment.
Energy efficiency improvements.
Outdoor community space improvements.
Other small capital works that provide clear community benefit.

Who is Eligible?

The fund is open to:

Voluntary organisations.
Community organisations.
Social enterprises.
Other constituted VCSE organisations.

Applicants must operate within the Whitefield neighbourhood, including:

Besses.
Pilkington Park.
Unsworth.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be a constituted VCSE organisation.
Have an organisational bank account with two unrelated signatories, or access to a holding account through a supporting organisation.
Be fully up to date with grant reporting requirements to Bury VCFA.
Submit a completed application by 11 September.
Own the building or have permission from the landlord/property owner to complete the proposed improvements.

Why This Fund Matters

Community buildings provide essential spaces for social connection, support services, learning, and local activities.

This funding helps organisations:

Improve facilities for residents.
Increase accessibility and inclusion.
Deliver stronger community services.
Reduce barriers to participation.
Create sustainable local spaces.
Improve community wellbeing.

Small investments in community infrastructure can create long-term benefits by helping organisations operate more effectively and support more residents.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Confirm that the organisation meets eligibility requirements.
Identify a community space improvement project.
Confirm ownership or obtain permission from the property owner.
Prepare a clear project description explaining community benefits.
Prepare cost estimates for proposed improvements.
Complete the grant application form.
Submit the application before the deadline of 11 September.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Clearly explain how the improvement benefits local residents.
Show how the project improves accessibility or inclusion.
Demonstrate long-term community value.
Provide realistic cost estimates.
Explain how the space is currently used and how improvements will increase impact.
Highlight environmental or digital benefits where relevant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying for projects outside the Whitefield area.
Requesting funding for non-capital activities.
Applying without building ownership or landlord permission.
Submitting incomplete applications.
Requesting funding for routine maintenance.
Including costs that have already been incurred.
Failing to explain community benefits.

Ineligible Costs

The fund does not support:

Major new building projects.
Large-scale refurbishments.
Retrospective costs.
Debt repayment.
Routine maintenance.
Decorative improvements without clear community benefit.
Vehicle purchases.
Car park improvements.
Activities outside the programme guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much funding can organisations receive?

Eligible VCSE organisations can apply for grants of up to £1,000.

Who can apply for the Stronger Spaces Fund?

Constituted VCSE organisations based in Whitefield, including Besses, Pilkington Park, and Unsworth, can apply.

What types of projects are supported?

The fund supports small capital improvements such as accessibility upgrades, digital equipment, safety improvements, kitchen improvements, storage, energy efficiency measures, and outdoor space improvements.

Does the organisation need to own the building?

No. Organisations can apply if they have permission from the landlord or property owner to complete the proposed improvements.

What is the total funding available?

Approximately £10,000 is available, with up to 10 projects expected to receive support.

Can funding be used for maintenance work?

No. Routine maintenance and repairs without additional community benefit are not eligible.

When is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted by 11 September.

Conclusion

The Let’s Live Well: Stronger Spaces Fund – Small Grants provides valuable support for VCSE organisations in Whitefield to improve community buildings and shared spaces. By funding accessibility improvements, digital upgrades, sustainability measures, and practical facility enhancements, the programme helps create stronger, more inclusive, and community-focused spaces that improve local wellbeing and strengthen neighbourhood connections.