Deadline: 02-Jul-2026
The CDL Fund, delivered in partnership with Forever Manchester, is now open to support grassroots community groups and projects working to improve the lives of people across the borough of Stockport, with grants of up to £1,000 available. The programme is designed to strengthen local initiatives that improve wellbeing, build community connections, and respond to the needs of residents through volunteer-led activities.
About the Program
The CDL Fund supports small, community-based organisations delivering activities that create positive change within local communities.
The programme focuses on:
- Digital inclusion
- Older people
- Children and young people
- Stronger communities
- Environment
- Community health and wellbeing
- Volunteer-led initiatives
- Local community engagement
- Improving quality of life
- Building stronger neighbourhood connections
The fund is particularly interested in projects that promote digital inclusion and contribute positively to community life.
Program Objectives
The programme seeks to:
- Improve the quality of life of local residents
- Strengthen grassroots community organisations
- Promote digital inclusion
- Support the health and wellbeing of communities
- Encourage volunteer involvement
- Foster stronger community connections
- Support children and young people
- Enhance opportunities for older people
- Address local community needs
- Improve community resilience
Projects should demonstrate clear benefits for people living within the community.
Funding Information
Applicants may request:
- Grants of up to £1,000
The fund offers flexibility in how grants can be used, allowing groups to propose activities that respond directly to local needs and priorities.
Funding should support projects that deliver positive community impact.
Eligible Activities
Funding may support activities related to:
- Digital inclusion initiatives
- Programmes for older people
- Activities for children and young people
- Community-building projects
- Environmental initiatives
- Health and wellbeing activities
- Volunteer-led projects
- Neighbourhood engagement activities
- Local support initiatives
- Projects that strengthen community connections
Activities should address identified community needs and improve local wellbeing.
Eligible Applicants
The programme is open to:
- Grassroots community groups based in the borough of Stockport
Applicant organisations must:
- Be community-based and locally controlled
- Rely on volunteer involvement
- Have an annual income of less than £150,000
- Require financial assistance to deliver community activities
In addition:
- Organisations whose project catchment areas border Stockport may also be considered, subject to eligibility confirmation.
Ineligible Applicants
The following organisations are not eligible:
- Sports clubs
- Sports groups
Applicants should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
Application Requirements
Applicants are expected to provide:
- A governing document
- Committee details for at least three unrelated members
- Annual accounts
- A recent bank statement
- A safeguarding policy, where relevant
Applications should clearly explain how the proposed activities will benefit the local community.
Funding Restrictions
Funding cannot be used for:
- Activities that have already taken place
- Large fundraising appeals
- The promotion of religious beliefs
- The promotion of political beliefs
- Services that should be provided through statutory funding
Applicants should ensure that proposed activities comply with all funding conditions.
Expected Outcomes
Supported projects should contribute to:
- Improved community wellbeing
- Greater digital inclusion
- Stronger local relationships
- Increased volunteer participation
- Better support for older people
- Enhanced opportunities for children and young people
- Healthier communities
- Greater community resilience
- Improved neighbourhood connections
- Positive local impact
The programme encourages projects that deliver meaningful and lasting benefits.
Assessment Considerations
Applications are assessed based on:
- Eligibility of the applicant organisation
- Alignment with the fund priorities
- The identified community need
- The potential positive impact of the project
- The suitability of the proposed activities
- The applicant’s ability to deliver the project
- Compliance with funding requirements
Projects that demonstrate strong local benefit and community involvement are encouraged.
Why This Program Matters
Grassroots organisations play an essential role in responding to local challenges and creating opportunities for people to connect, participate, and thrive within their communities. Small grants can make a significant difference by helping volunteer-led groups continue delivering valuable services and activities.
The CDL Fund supports these local efforts by investing in projects that improve wellbeing, promote inclusion, and strengthen community life across Stockport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the CDL Fund?
- The fund supports grassroots community groups and projects that improve the lives and wellbeing of people across Stockport.
How much funding is available?
- Eligible organisations may apply for grants of up to £1,000.
Who can apply?
- Grassroots, locally controlled community groups in Stockport with an annual income of less than £150,000 and volunteer involvement.
Can organisations outside Stockport apply?
- Organisations whose project catchment areas border Stockport may be considered, subject to eligibility confirmation.
Are sports clubs eligible for funding?
- No. Sports clubs and sports groups are not eligible under this funding round.
What documents are required with the application?
- Applicants must provide a governing document, committee details, annual accounts, a recent bank statement, and a safeguarding policy where applicable.
What activities cannot be funded?
- Funding cannot support activities that have already taken place, large fundraising appeals, the promotion of religious or political beliefs, or services that should be funded through statutory sources.
Conclusion
The CDL Fund provides valuable support to grassroots community groups working to improve wellbeing and strengthen local connections across Stockport. Through flexible grants of up to £1,000, the programme enables volunteer-led organisations to address community needs, promote inclusion, and deliver positive change where it matters most.
For more information, visit Forever Manchester.