Funding

Cheshire West and Chester Council would like to invite voluntary and community organisations, charities, and other groups to apply for the 2025-26 Youth Opportunities Grant scheme. The scheme aims to invite the market to apply and be able to offer opportunities to children and young people across the borough, working to ensure the priorities are achieved. Cheshire West and Chester Council wish to commission services to provide effective outcomes that: supports children and young people to make the best start in life (A Council Plan Priority); aims to provide a response to emerging needs, and priorities set in local and national strategies - particularly the 2024 Make Your Mark!; and assists Cheshire West and Chester Council meet its priorities within the Children and Young People Plan 2020-2025 and Youth Plan Strategy 2021-2025.

We provide a range of grants for organisations that make a positive difference to those in need. Areas of support include poverty, homelessness, health and wellbeing, education and training. We also provide smaller grants to individuals requiring specialised disability equipment. Our eligibility checker below will help you quickly determine your eligibility to apply for one of our grants and, once an application has been made, our friendly team will support you through the process.

Single year grants between £2,000 and £10,000 for core costs, salaries, running and project costs. Projects must have a focus on Community Support.

The Trust seeks to improve the effectiveness of literacy teaching in primary and secondary education for children with learning difficulties, including dyslexia. Their work has a particular focus on areas of social need and those who are at risk of non-inclusion in society and the world of work. The Trust’s small grants scheme funds charities and community groups that directly help children and young people develop literacy skills, with a focus on supporting those with learning difficulties such as dyslexia. They are keen to see applications for projects that use volunteers and reading mentors and those that help during transitional points. For example, when students move from primary to secondary school, and when they transition to further education, college, or the workplace. They will consider grants for literacy support at any primary or secondary key stage. You can apply for grants between £5,000 and £20,000. You can apply for a multi-year grant, over a maximum period of 3 years.

Schools, colleges and community groups in England can apply for grants to Blue Spark Foundation for a wide range of projects. The Foundation value academic, vocational, artistic and sporting endeavour in equal measure but are particularly keen to support projects which will help enhance the self-confidence, team working skills and future employability of children and young people. Many grants will be under £2,000 and none are more than £5,000. Projects which could be supported include drama, music, sport, art and design, debating, public speaking, academic education, vocational training, community projects, enterprise projects and educational excursions. This list is illustrative and not exclusive as to the types of projects that the Foundation support. No deadline, rolling applications.