top of page

What are Stronger Communities?

​

We believe that Manchester's strength lies in its communities. Whether that's from Burnage to Baguley, Moston to Moss Side, or Hulme to Harpurhey - our communities make us strong. We have proudly supported them through our longest-standing fund, the Stronger Communities Fund, for over 10 years.

​

The pandemic highlighted the importance of the community groups and local charities that offer vital support to Manchester’s residents. That why we've committed £200,000 to our Stronger Communities Fund in 2024/25 to reaffirm our support where it matters most.

MCR Street Poem 1_edited_edited_edited.jpg
About
Stronger Communities Grants - Upping It.jpg

Themes of the Fund

Nobody knows what's best for our communities better than the communities themselves. We listen to their ideas, and help where we can.

​

Applications must meet at least one of the Fund’s core themes. We’re happy to discuss whether your project fits into our themes before application - just drop us an email at welovemcrcharity@manchester.gov.uk and we'll get back to you.

​

  1. HELPING IN THE EARLY YEARS – supporting children 0-4 years old, and their parents, to make the best start possible in terms of learning, health and/or nutrition
     

  2. COMBATING LONELINESS AND SOCIAL EXCLUSIONsupporting groups of people who are at risk of exclusion from community life. For example as a result of advanced age or disability
     

  3. PROTECTING AND IMPROVING OUR OPEN SPACESdelivering work which ensures public spaces are maintained and improved for the benefit of local people, or expanding access to open spaces for all members of the community
     

  4. OFFERING POSITIVE YOUTH ACTIVITIESproviding sustainable, structured programmes/activities to help communities of young people to live safely and successfully

Themes

Applying

To make an application to the Stronger Communities Fund, you must be supporting or working with communities from within the City of Manchester 🔗. Applications from organisations supporting communities in Greater Manchester or beyond will not be considered.

​

Please read the full guidance before making any application and contact us on email if you have any questions or want to discuss any aspect of your application.

​

We receive applications to the fund through our online platform, click the link below to apply!

​

APPLY TO THE STRONGER COMMUNITIES FUND

​

If you have any issues with the platform do not hesitate to contact us: welovemcrcharity@manchester.gov.uk 

​

Please read the full guidance below before you apply through our online system. We look at applications monthly, check the grants platform for the deadline dates for 2024.

Terms & Conditions

How to Apply

Awards

We've been providing local groups with the means to make a tangible difference in our communities for years - and we don't plan on stopping any time soon.

​

We've selected a broad range of past groups we've awarded funds to below. Read their stories and press the area buttons to explore the activity we've funded across the many and varied communities of Manchester!

trinity house m14.jpg
Rusholme

Trinity House

We love to fund projects that help little Mancunians in their early years, as we did with Trinity House and their Toy Hub!

gorton visual arts.jpeg
Gorton

Gorton Visual Arts

We proud ourselves on funding projects that engage our older residents, like this fantastic group continues to do in Gorton.

Building raised beds 05.jpg
Withington

Oak Lodge + Sow The City

We funded Sow The City to transform the grounds of a women's refuge. Combining eco aims with vulnerable Manchester residents.

MCR Street Poem 1_edited_edited_edited.jpg
City Centre

Manchester Street Poem

We believe sincerely in supporting our most marginalised communities, as we did here with MSP.

armitage primary ardwick.png
Ardwick

Armitage CE Primary

We love to engage our young people with the natural world, improving the environment while we do!

Equal Education Chances_edited_edited.jp
Blackley

Equal Education Chances

We are committed to supporting groups and projects that tackle social exclusion, like here with EEC.

Past Awards

Testimonials

“Keep up the good work of supporting small charities like ours as we do need this kind of support to reach the women that would otherwise not be supported. This grant has helped us reach those women who have multiple disadvantages and helped to empower them and to create an opportunity for their businesses to thrive!”

Testimonials
bottom of page