Deadline: 23-Apr-2026
The Comic Relief and Sainsbury’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme provides up to £15,000 for organisations in Greater Manchester to deliver summer holiday food and activity schemes for children. It focuses on tackling food poverty, improving access to nutritious meals, and supporting inclusive activities for children up to Year 11. Priority is given to low-income VCSE organisations and projects running across the full six-week summer holiday period.
Overview of the Programme
The Comic Relief and Sainsbury’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme supports community organisations delivering holiday support for children in Greater Manchester.
It aims to ensure children have:
- Nutritious, balanced meals
- Safe and engaging activities
- Equal access to holiday programmes
The programme is designed to address food poverty and holiday hunger during school breaks.
Core Objectives
Key Goals
- Reduce food insecurity among children
- Improve access to healthy, sustainable meals
- Support inclusive holiday activities
- Extend support across the full summer break
- Increase access for children with disabilities
What the Programme Supports
Eligible Activities Include
- Holiday clubs and activity schemes
- Food provision for children during summer
- Sports, arts, and educational activities
- Inclusive programmes for children with disabilities
- Extended or expanded holiday provision
- New or pilot holiday activity schemes
Programme Duration Requirement
- Must cover the full 6-week summer holiday period where possible
Funding Details
- Maximum grant: up to £15,000
- Geographic scope: Greater Manchester (10 boroughs)
- Funding priority: low-income, high-need areas
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Organisations
- Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations
- Registered charities
- Non-profit organisations operating in Greater Manchester
Financial Eligibility
- Annual income must be under £500,000
Geographic Requirement
- Must operate within the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester
Priority Groups and Focus Areas
Funding prioritises projects that:
- Address child food poverty directly
- Serve children up to Year 11
- Support children with disabilities
- Operate across the full summer holiday period
- Reach underserved or high-need communities
- Have lower organisational income (greater need priority)
How It Works / Application Process
Step 1: Design Programme
Develop a holiday scheme that includes:
Step 2: Ensure Eligibility
Confirm:
- Registered VCSE status
- Income below £500,000
- Location within Greater Manchester
Step 3: Submit Application
- Apply with detailed delivery plan
- Include budget and outreach strategy
Step 4: Evaluation
Applications assessed based on:
- Impact on food poverty
- Reach and inclusivity
- Geographic coverage
- Organisational capacity
Step 5: Funding Decision
- Priority given to high-need and low-income organisations
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not covering the full 6-week holiday period
- Weak food provision plan
- Lack of accessibility for children with disabilities
- Applying outside Greater Manchester
- Exceeding income eligibility threshold
- Limited evidence of community need
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative is important because it:
- Addresses child hunger during school holidays
- Improves health and wellbeing for vulnerable children
- Reduces inequalities in access to food and activities
- Supports working families and low-income households
- Promotes inclusive and safe holiday environments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is this programme for?
It funds holiday clubs that provide food and activities for children in Greater Manchester.
2. How much funding is available?
Up to £15,000 per organisation.
3. Who can apply?
Registered VCSE organisations and charities operating in Greater Manchester.
4. What age group is supported?
Children up to Year 11.
5. What is the main focus?
Tackling food poverty and improving access to holiday activities.
6. Are disability-inclusive projects supported?
Yes, accessibility for children with disabilities is a priority.
7. What income level is required for eligibility?
Organisations must have an annual income under £500,000.
Conclusion
The Holiday Activity and Food Programme in Greater Manchester provides essential support to address child food poverty during school holidays. By funding inclusive, nutritious, and engaging summer schemes, it helps ensure that children have access to both healthy meals and meaningful activities throughout the school break.
For more information, visit Forever Manchester.
