Deadline: 14-May-2026
The Manchester Building Society Community Fund provides grants of up to £2,500 to grassroots organisations in Greater Manchester. It supports projects focused on financial literacy, employment, and education to improve community wellbeing. The fund prioritises small, volunteer-led groups creating local impact.
Overview
The Manchester Building Society Community Fund, delivered in partnership with Forever Manchester, supports grassroots community groups across Greater Manchester.
The programme is designed to empower small, locally managed organisations to deliver impactful, community-driven initiatives.
Key Objectives of the Programme
The fund aims to:
- Improve financial literacy and money management skills
- Support pathways to employment and education
- Strengthen local communities through grassroots action
- Enable volunteer-led organisations to grow and deliver services
Priority Focus Areas
1. Financial Literacy and Wellbeing
Projects that help individuals:
- Learn budgeting and money management
- Access debt advice and financial guidance
- Build long-term financial confidence
2. Employment and Education Support
Initiatives that:
- Help people enter or return to work
- Build communication and teamwork skills
- Provide life and work readiness training
- Encourage volunteering and leadership development
Funding Details
- Grant amount: Up to £2,500
- Target: Small grassroots projects
- Funding type: Flexible, based on community needs
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be based in Greater Manchester (one of the 10 boroughs)
- Have an annual income below £150,000
- Be a grassroots or volunteer-led community group
Ideal Applicants
- Small charities and community organisations
- Volunteer-driven initiatives
- Groups addressing local social and economic challenges
Eligible Activities
The fund supports:
- Financial education workshops
- Debt management and budgeting programmes
- Skills development and employability training
- Community engagement and volunteer-led initiatives
Why This Fund Matters
This initiative is important because it:
- Helps individuals improve financial wellbeing
- Supports access to jobs and education
- Strengthens local resilience and inclusion
- Empowers small organisations with limited resources
How to Apply / Application Process
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Confirm your organisation meets location and income criteria.
Step 2: Define Your Project
Develop a clear idea aligned with financial literacy or employability.
Step 3: Prepare Application
Include:
- Project description
- Budget breakdown
- Expected outcomes and impact
Step 4: Submit Application
Apply through the official partner platform (via Forever Manchester).
Step 5: Review and Selection
Applications are assessed based on community impact and relevance.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are evaluated on:
- Alignment with fund priorities
- Community impact and need
- Feasibility and clarity of the project
- Strength of volunteer involvement
Expected Outcomes
- Improved financial knowledge among participants
- Increased employability and skill development
- Stronger community engagement
- Enhanced local support systems
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting unclear or vague project ideas
- Weak connection to financial literacy or employment
- Incomplete budget details
- Applying without meeting eligibility criteria
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on clear, local impact
- Show how your project benefits the community
- Provide realistic and detailed budgeting
- Highlight volunteer involvement and sustainability
FAQs
Who can apply for this fund?
Grassroots organisations in Greater Manchester with income under £150,000.
What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to £2,500 per project.
What types of projects are supported?
Financial literacy, employability, and community skill-building initiatives.
Is volunteer involvement important?
Yes, the fund prioritises volunteer-led organisations.
Can the funding be used flexibly?
Yes, as long as it aligns with the programme’s objectives.
How are applications assessed?
Based on impact, relevance, and feasibility.
Where do I apply?
Through the partner organisation Forever Manchester.
Conclusion
The Manchester Building Society Community Fund provides essential support to grassroots organisations working to improve financial wellbeing and employment opportunities. With flexible funding and a focus on local impact, it plays a key role in building stronger, more resilient communities across Greater Manchester.
For more information, visit Forever Manchester.