Deadline: 02-Jul-2026
The Circle Funerals Fund, delivered in partnership with Forever Manchester, supports grassroots community groups in South Trafford and nearby areas with grants of up to £1,000. The fund helps small, locally controlled organisations deliver activities that benefit children and young people, older people, carers, bereavement support, wellbeing, food projects, sport, skills, and employment. Eligible applicants must have an annual income of less than £50,000 and must deliver activities that respond to local community needs.
Overview
The Circle Funerals Fund supports grassroots community groups working in South Trafford and adjacent areas.
The fund is delivered in partnership with Forever Manchester and is designed to help small, community-based organisations strengthen local communities through practical activities, services, and participation.
The programme provides modest financial support for local initiatives that respond to community needs and aspirations.
Circle Funerals Fund supports grassroots community groups working in South Trafford and adjacent areas.
The fund is delivered in partnership with Forever Manchester and is designed to help small, community-based organisations Key Focus Areas
The fund prioritises projects that support:
- Children and young people
- Older people
- Bereavement support
- Carers
- Sport and physical wellbeing
- Emotional and mental wellbeing
- Food projects
- Cooking and nutrition activities
- Food provision
- Holiday hunger initiatives
- Skills development
- Employment support
Purpose of the Fund
The purpose of the Circle Funerals Fund is to support small grassroots organisations that are locally controlled and rooted in their communities.
The fund encourages local people to participate in community life through volunteering, group activities, and practical support services.
It recognises that local groups often understand community needs best and can deliver flexible, responsive, and meaningful activities with small grants.
Grant Amount
Successful applicants may request grants of up to £1,000.
The funding can support community activities, small projects, local services, group sessions, events, or practical initiatives that benefit people in South Trafford and eligible nearby areas.
Who is Eligible?
The fund is open to grassroots community organisations with an annual income of less than £50,000.
Eligible applicants should:
- Be small, community-based organisations
- Be locally controlled
- Actively involve local people
- Encourage volunteering or community participation
- Deliver activities that benefit local communities
- Work mainly in South Trafford or adjacent eligible areas
- Have an annual income below £50,000
Organisations located in Wythenshawe may also be considered if they fall within the geographical areas covered by the fund.
What the Fund Can Support
The fund is flexible and can support different types of community activities.
Examples of suitable activities may include:
- Youth activities and clubs
- Support groups for older people
- Bereavement support sessions
- Carer support activities
- Sports and physical activity programmes
- Emotional wellbeing groups
- Mental health support activities
- Community cooking sessions
- Nutrition workshops
- Food provision projects
- Holiday hunger support
- Skills training activities
- Employment readiness support
- Volunteer-led community initiatives
Projects should clearly show how they will benefit local people.
What the Fund Cannot Support
Funding is not available for:
- Activities that have already taken place
- Costs that have already been paid for
- Contributions to major appeals
- Activities that promote political beliefs
- Activities that promote religious beliefs
- Services that should be provided by statutory agencies
Applicants should make sure their project is community-led and not a replacement for statutory service provision.
Why It Matters
The Circle Funerals Fund matters because small community groups often provide essential support that larger services may not reach.
Grassroots organisations can respond quickly to local needs, support vulnerable residents, reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and create stronger community connections.
By offering grants of up to £1,000, the fund helps local groups continue or expand activities that make a direct difference in people’s lives.
How to Apply or Prepare a Strong Application
Applicants should prepare a clear and practical application that explains the local need, proposed activity, community benefit, and budget.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Applicants should first check that their organisation is a grassroots community group with an annual income of less than £50,000.
They should also confirm that their project will benefit South Trafford or another eligible area covered by the fund.
Step 2: Define the Local Need
The application should explain the issue or need the project will address.
This may include:
- Isolation among older people
- Support needs of children and young people
- Bereavement support gaps
- Mental health and emotional wellbeing challenges
- Food insecurity
- Holiday hunger
- Lack of physical activity opportunities
- Carer support needs
- Skills or employment barriers
Step 3: Describe the Activity
Applicants should clearly explain what they plan to do.
The proposal should describe:
- The activity or project
- Who will take part
- Where it will happen
- How often it will take place
- Who will deliver it
- How local people will be involved
Step 4: Show Community Benefit
The application should explain how the project will strengthen or benefit the community.
Expected benefits may include:
- Improved wellbeing
- Reduced isolation
- Better access to food
- Increased confidence
- Stronger community participation
- Improved physical health
- Better emotional support
- Increased volunteering
- Improved skills or employability
Step 5: Prepare a Simple Budget
Applicants should prepare a clear budget for up to £1,000.
The budget should show what the grant will pay for and how each cost supports the activity.
Step 6: Check Ineligible Costs
Applicants should make sure they are not requesting funding for activities that have already happened, political or religious promotion, major appeals, or statutory services.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid the following mistakes:
- Applying with an annual income above £50,000
- Not showing a clear local community benefit
- Requesting funding for costs already paid
- Applying for activities that have already happened
- Submitting a vague project idea
- Not explaining who will benefit
- Not showing how local people are involved
- Requesting funding for statutory services
- Providing an unclear budget
- Not confirming the project area
Tips for a Strong Application
A strong application should be simple, local, and community-focused.
Applicants should:
- Clearly explain the local need
- Show how the activity benefits South Trafford or eligible nearby areas
- Keep the project realistic for a grant of up to £1,000
- Explain how volunteers or local residents will be involved
- Provide a clear and reasonable budget
- Focus on practical community impact
- Show how the activity supports wellbeing, food access, skills, young people, older people, carers, or bereavement support
- Avoid broad claims without clear activities
- Make sure the activity has not already taken place
FAQ
1. What is the Circle Funerals Fund?
The Circle Funerals Fund is a small grants programme delivered in partnership with Forever Manchester to support grassroots community groups in South Trafford and nearby eligible areas.
2. How much funding is available?
Successful applicants may request grants of up to £1,000.
3. Who can apply?
Grassroots community organisations with an annual income of less than £50,000 can apply.
4. Which areas are covered?
The fund primarily supports groups based in South Trafford. Organisations in Wythenshawe may also be considered if they fall within the fund’s geographical coverage.
5. What types of projects are prioritised?
Priority areas include children and young people, older people, bereavement support, carers, sport and physical wellbeing, emotional and mental wellbeing, food projects, skills, and employment support.
6. Can the fund support activities that already happened?
No. The fund cannot support activities that have already taken place or costs that have already been paid for.
7. Can religious or political activities be funded?
No. Activities that promote political or religious beliefs are not eligible for funding.
Conclusion
The Circle Funerals Fund provides practical support for small grassroots community groups working to improve life in South Trafford and nearby eligible areas.
With grants of up to £1,000, the fund helps locally controlled organisations deliver community activities focused on wellbeing, food support, young people, older people, carers, bereavement, sport, skills, and employment. Strong applications should clearly explain the local need, community benefit, planned activity, and how the funding will help local people.
For more information, visit Forever Manchester.
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