The Leeds Fund: Micro Grant

In light of government guidance, and adopting a work-from-home policy, we have had to make the decision to pause operations on our Micro Grant programme as we are unable to adhere to our due diligence process. We will continue to accept Micro Grant applications, but it may be some time before we are able process these.

Our Micro Grants support individuals and small voluntary groups to improve the lives of the people in their communities through volunteer led activities that aim to make a positive difference.

Who can apply?

Individual people who are active in the community (sometimes called social entrepreneurs) or informal groups with income of under £2,500 in the past 12 months or who are new to funding. Priority will be given to individuals and informal groups who work in more deprived communities or have new and innovative ideas to improve the lives of local people. We can only accept one application per individual/informal group during each calendar year.

To be considered for funding your activity needs to:

• Be community led i.e. local people are involved and support the idea.

• Make good use of local resources such as volunteers or community spaces.

• Be open to different people from the community and have a clear community benefit.

• Be based in Leeds and benefit residents of Leeds.

Amount

You can apply for £100 to £500 from this Fund.

Please note, we prefer to fund projects that are predominantly supported by monies received from the Fund. As such, the funding request must be at least half of the total cost of the project.

What you can apply for

We can fund a wide range of items including volunteer expenses, publicity costs, equipment, room hire, materials for activities, etc. Contribution to fees of tutor or sessional workers can be considered when there is a clear need to bring additional expertise to an activity. The grants can be used to extend current activities or to introduce new ones.

Examples of what we fund

• You will know best what is needed in your community and we welcome applications to support different members of the community including children and young people, families, older people, members of the LGBT+ community, refugees and asylum seekers and people with disabilities. Some examples of activities we would consider include:

• Skill sharing or exchange sessions. This could include language classes, music or dance lessons, sports coaching or arts and crafts sessions.

• Activities for people from different backgrounds and/or ages etc. to get together. This could include events based on eating together, intergenerational music/singing sessions, community fun days or book and board game clubs.

• Events targeted to specific groups. These could include events aimed at families, social support groups, independent living groups, homeless groups, walking groups or parent and toddler groups. 

How to apply

Applications can be made using a simple application form or by uploading a short video that answers the questions asked. We ask for a reference, from someone who is aware of your plans, such as a community development worker, local third sector (charity) worker or your local councillor.

This is a rolling programme, so applications can be submitted at any time. At the start of each month, we will assess all the applications received in the previous month, and aim to get back to you within the first two weeks of the month after your application is submitted (although during busy periods it may take longer).

Successful applicants will be asked for feedback in the form of a video, photos or short stories to show how the grant has benefited people in your area.