Knowsley’s Cabinet has approved the creation of the Knowsley Community Fund 2025/26, an investment aimed at supporting and empowering local community and voluntary organisations across the borough.
The £560,000 Knowsley Community Fund brings together five existing community grant programmes into a single, accessible fund. This simplified approach will create a single point of access for groups seeking funding for new project ideas, as well as those looking to sustain and grow established activities.
This new consolidated fund replaces the Stronger Communities Fund, Winter Wellness Grant, Physical Activity Grant, Youth Community Fund and Short Breaks Programmes. It streamlines the application process and aligns directly with the priorities of the Knowsley Council Plan 2025-2030, which champions “Stronger Communities” and aims to help residents thrive and overcome inequality.
“We are incredibly excited to launch the Knowsley Community Fund, a vital initiative that underscores our commitment to fostering strong, resilient communities,” said Knowsley Council Leader Cllr Graham Morgan.
He added: “By consolidating our grant programmes and aligning them with our new Council Plan, we’re making it easier for our invaluable community and voluntary groups to access the resources they need to make a real difference in the lives of Knowsley residents.”
In the past two years, the Council has invested £1.3 million into Knowsley’s voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sector, enabling a diverse range of interventions and activities. The Knowsley Community Fund 2025/26 builds on this strong foundation, providing continued crucial support during the ongoing cost-of-living challenges.
The fund will support projects that contribute to the Council’s key priorities, including:
- Delivering effective, high-quality services and support that positively impact residents’ lives.
- Encouraging growth that benefits everyone, ensuring communities and town centres can flourish.
- Delivering targeted support to encourage fairness and opportunity for those facing the biggest challenges.
The fund is part of a broader Social Value and Community Investment Plan, which seeks to identify and unlock local resources to maximise community investment opportunities and tackle inequalities across Knowsley.
Who can apply?
Registered charities, constituted voluntary, community and faith organisations, not-for-profit, community interest companies, companies limited by guarantee, community benefit societies, charitable incorporated organisations, and community amateur sports clubs who have been operating for at least 12 months and have a good track record of delivery.
The Council is also keen to support newly established organisations which can demonstrate that they have strong governance structures in place.
How much can groups apply for?
One grant up to £2,000 for groups operating for less than twelve months or new project ideas which require a small allocation of “seed” funding to allow ideas to be tested.
One grant up to £5,000 for groups helping residents stay warm, safe and well over a five-month period during winter, specifically throughout the months November to March only.
One grant up to £10,000 for established organisations wishing to sustain activity by expanding current activity.
What kind of projects will be supported?
- Projects that fund new or enhanced activities (between November and March) that support the health and wellbeing of residents who are at high risk during the wintertime.
- Projects that support organisations working to improve the lives of disabled children and their families in Knowsley that forms part of the wider range of services available to parents and carers of children with disabilities and special needs called the ‘Local Offer’.
- Projects that provide a range of positive and engaging activities that meet the needs and wishes of children and young people across Knowsley.
- Projects that support grassroots organisations in delivering creative physical activity projects, helping to build capacity and encourage healthier lifestyles across Knowsley.
- Projects that directly support the Council’s Prevention and Early Intervention agenda.
- Projects that directly support residents to thrive and support people to overcome inequality and strengthens community cohesion.
How can groups apply?
The online application portal for the Knowsley Community Fund is anticipated to launch on 19 June, with a closing date for applications on 11 July, at 5:00 PM.
Please visit Knowsley Council’s website – www.knowsley.gov.uk/OnlineFundingPortal – and complete an online application form
Funding decisions are expected to be made following Cabinet approval on 15 October, with funds released from 23 October, onwards.
Support will be available for community groups to access the portal through the Council’s libraries and dedicated online support sessions.