Deadline: 26-Feb-2026

The One Stoke Community Grants programme provides £500–£3,500 to community organisations in Stoke-on-Trent to rebuild social trust and strengthen cohesion following public disorder in Summer 2024. The fund supports projects that counter misinformation, promote unity across different backgrounds and faiths, and provide positive diversionary activities for young people. All funded activities must take place within Stoke-on-Trent and involve local residents.

Overview

The One Stoke Community Grants programme supports grassroots initiatives in Stoke-on-Trent that aim to:

• Rebuild social trust

• Promote community cohesion

• Strengthen resilience against misinformation

• Encourage unity across different backgrounds and faiths

• Provide constructive activities for young people

The programme was introduced in response to public disorder in Summer 2024 and focuses on restoring positive community relationships.

Funding Amount

• Grant range: £500 to £3,500 per organisation

• Location requirement: Activities must take place in Stoke-on-Trent

• Beneficiaries: Must involve residents of the city

Each organisation may apply within the specified funding limits.

Programme Objectives

The programme prioritises initiatives that:

1. Build social trust across communities

2. Strengthen relationships between different faiths and cultural groups

3. Improve resilience to misinformation and disinformation

4. Support youth engagement through positive shared activities

5. Encourage shared goals and mutual understanding

Projects should clearly demonstrate how they contribute to cohesion and unity.

What Types of Projects Are Eligible?

1. Countering Misinformation

Eligible activities include:

• Critical thinking workshops

• Media literacy training

• Social media awareness campaigns

• Community discussions addressing harmful narratives

• Youth-focused misinformation prevention sessions

These initiatives must actively prevent the spread of false or harmful information.

2. Positive Diversionary Activities

The programme supports youth and community projects in:

• Sport

• Arts

• Culture

• Creative activities

• Community events

Projects must intentionally bring together people from different backgrounds and promote shared experiences.

3. Cross-Community Engagement Initiatives

Priority is given to projects that:

• Unite people from different faith communities

• Foster cooperation across ethnic and cultural groups

• Promote shared objectives and collective problem-solving

Who Is Eligible?

Community-based organisations operating in Stoke-on-Trent may apply.

Projects must:

• Serve Stoke-on-Trent residents

• Take place within the city boundaries

• Promote cohesion and shared understanding

Religious organisations may apply for non-religious initiatives.

Eligible Costs

Funding may be used for:

• Equipment

• Project and event expenses

• Training costs

• Revenue and staffing costs

• Overheads

• Capital costs (up to 10% of the grant maximum)

Budgets must clearly justify how expenses contribute to programme objectives.

Ineligible Costs

Funding cannot be used for:

• Religious projects that promote religion

• Party political activities that promote one political party over another

• Statutory expenditure

Projects must remain non-political and non-proselytising in nature.

How to Apply

Step 1: Define Your Community Impact

Clearly explain:

• The issue your project addresses

• How it builds cohesion

• Who will benefit

• How different groups will be brought together

Step 2: Design Inclusive Activities

Ensure your project:

• Engages diverse groups

• Promotes shared objectives

• Builds long-term relationships

Step 3: Prepare a Realistic Budget

Include:

• Itemised costs

• Clear justification

• Capital costs capped at 10%

Step 4: Submit Application

Follow the official One Stoke Community Grants application process before the deadline.

How Applications Are Assessed

Projects are evaluated based on:

• Alignment with cohesion and trust-building objectives

• Feasibility and clarity of delivery plan

• Community reach and inclusivity

• Contribution to reducing misinformation

• Youth engagement potential

Priority is given to initiatives that actively bring together individuals from different backgrounds.

Why This Programme Matters

Rebuilding After Public Disorder

The programme directly addresses the social impact of unrest in Summer 2024 by supporting proactive community responses.

Strengthening Community Resilience

By countering misinformation and promoting dialogue, projects help prevent division and conflict.

Supporting Young People

Positive diversionary activities provide:

• Safe engagement spaces

• Skill-building opportunities

• Cross-cultural friendships

• Shared purpose

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to demonstrate cross-community engagement

• Proposing projects without clear cohesion outcomes

• Including ineligible religious or political activities

• Exceeding capital cost limits

• Submitting vague or incomplete budgets

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding can organisations apply for?

Grants range from £500 to £3,500 per organisation.

2. Who can apply?

Community organisations delivering projects within Stoke-on-Trent that involve local residents.

3. Can religious organisations apply?

Yes, but only for non-religious initiatives that promote community cohesion.

4. Are political campaigns eligible?

No. Funding cannot support party political activities.

5. Can funding be used for equipment?

Yes. Equipment and capital costs are eligible, but capital expenses cannot exceed 10% of the total grant.

6. Must projects involve young people?

Not necessarily, but projects offering positive diversionary activities for young people are strongly encouraged.

7. What is meant by “mis/disinformation”?

Misinformation refers to false or misleading information shared unintentionally, while disinformation is deliberately false information intended to cause harm or division.

Conclusion

The One Stoke Community Grants programme offers targeted funding to strengthen unity, resilience, and shared understanding across Stoke-on-Trent. By supporting inclusive initiatives that counter misinformation and promote cross-community engagement, the programme plays a vital role in rebuilding social trust and fostering long-term cohesion.

Organisations with strong, inclusive project ideas that bring diverse communities together are encouraged to apply within the £500–£3,500 funding range and demonstrate clear local impact.

For more information, visit The Community Foundation for Staffordshire.