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Lunch Club Grants Supporting Older People in Leeds (UK)

Deadline: 17-Apr-2026

The Leeds Community Foundation, in partnership with Leeds City Council, offers grants to support lunch clubs for older adults, covering operational costs, meals, and social activities. Funding is available to not-for-profit organisations that meet food safety and safeguarding standards, helping sustain vital services that enhance wellbeing and social connection for older people in Leeds.

Overview of the Grant

The Lunch Club Grant Programme aims to:

  • Support lunch clubs providing meals and social interaction for older adults

  • Fund essential operational costs including food, staff, and volunteer expenses

  • Enable clubs to offer wellbeing-enhancing activities, such as exercise, arts, and crafts

  • Ensure food safety and adult safeguarding compliance

The programme prioritizes community-led initiatives that operate consistently and safely to maintain reliable support for older people across Leeds.

Funding Details

  • Eligible costs:

    • Food and catering supplies

    • Staff and volunteer expenses

    • Room hire and venue costs

    • Transport, insurance, and training

    • Activities enhancing social connection and wellbeing

  • Delivery format:

    • Face-to-face sessions are encouraged with appropriate safety measures

    • Remote or hybrid delivery options may be supported where necessary

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be one of the following:

  • Incorporated not-for-profit organisations:

    • Charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs)

    • Community interest companies (limited by guarantee)

    • Charitable companies registered with relevant authorities

  • Registered charities (non-incorporated):

    • Eligible, but funding can only cover self-employed workers, not PAYE staff

  • Small unincorporated or unregistered groups:

    • Annual income under £10,000

    • Grant funding must not increase total income above £10,000 in the current financial year

Operational Requirements

To qualify for funding, lunch clubs must:

  • Provide at least 10 meals per week

  • Operate for 40+ weeks per year

  • Maintain adequate insurance

  • Have an up-to-date Safeguarding Policy for Adults

  • Ensure staff and volunteers have current Food Hygiene Training

  • Implement a written food safety management system

  • Be registered as a Food Business at least 28 days prior to starting operations

How to Apply

  1. Check eligibility: Confirm your organisation type and operational compliance with food safety and safeguarding requirements

  2. Prepare application materials: Include a description of your lunch club, weekly operations, wellbeing activities, and budget for operational costs

  3. Submit proposal: Follow the Leeds Community Foundation online application process or official guidance

  4. Await assessment: Applications are reviewed based on eligibility, impact on older people, and sustainability of services

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Demonstrate consistent meal provision and club operations

  • Include plans for wellbeing activities alongside meals

  • Ensure food safety and safeguarding policies are current and documented

  • Clearly outline budget allocations for eligible expenses

  • Highlight community impact and reach among older adults

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to meet minimum meal provision or operational weeks

  • Not having updated Food Hygiene or Safeguarding policies

  • Requesting funding for ineligible costs such as PAYE staff in non-incorporated charities

  • Exceeding the £10,000 income threshold for small unincorporated or unregistered groups

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible to apply?

  • Incorporated not-for-profit organisations, registered charities, and small unincorporated/unregistered groups with annual income under £10,000.

2. What can grant funding cover?

  • Food, staff or volunteer expenses, room hire, transport, insurance, training, and social/wellbeing activities.

3. How many meals must be provided per week?

  • Minimum of 10 meals per week.

4. How long must lunch clubs operate per year?

  • At least 40 weeks per year.

5. Are remote delivery options supported?

  • Yes, where necessary, though face-to-face delivery is preferred.

6. Can small unincorporated groups pay staff through PAYE?

  • No, funding for these groups is limited to self-employed workers only.

7. Are there food safety requirements?

  • Yes. Clubs must be Food Business registered, maintain written food safety procedures, and ensure staff have current Food Hygiene training.

Conclusion

The Leeds Community Foundation Lunch Club Grants provide essential support to organisations serving older adults in Leeds. By funding operational costs, meals, and wellbeing activities, the programme helps ensure sustainable, safe, and socially engaging services, fostering stronger community connections and improving quality of life for older residents.

For more information, visit Leeds Community Foundation.