Apply for funding for International Women’s Day 2026
Manchester City Council is proud to support equality and celebrate International Women’s Day (8 March 2026) with events across the city. We’re offering small grants to help local groups and organisations run activities - that celebrate women and girls in Manchester.
This year’s theme is ‘Give to Gain’.
We’re looking for ideas that show how kindness, sharing and working together can help make life better for women and girls.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are part of a:
- Community group
- Voluntary organisation
- Faith group
- Social enterprise.
Your group must be based in Manchester - specifically, you must pay council tax or business rates to Manchester City Council.
You must have a group bank account or another organisation that can receive the money for you. We can’t pay into personal bank accounts.
What you can apply for
You can apply for money to help run an event or activity between 23 February and 15 March 2026. It can be:
- In-person
- Online
- A mix of both (hybrid).
Most of the people taking part should live or work in Manchester. Your event should benefit at least 10 people.
Activities must not be religious or political. Faith groups can apply, but the event must not include worship or promote a religion.
If your event involves children or vulnerable adults, you must send us your safeguarding policy.
How much you can apply for
- The total funding available is £10,000
- Each group can apply for up to £500.
What we’re looking for
We expect lots of applications, so we’ll choose based on how well your idea meets our goals. We’re looking for:
- Clear benefits for women and girls in Manchester
- A strong link to the theme: ‘Give to Gain’
- Events that are inclusive and accessible
- A clear plan for how you’ll spend the money
- Support for women and girls who can face dual discrimination, such as:
- Migrant communities
- Communities affected by racism
- Disabled women and girls
- Women and girls with low income or other challenges
- Applications from women-led groups
- Groups that support women and girls as part of their everyday work
How to apply
You can apply in two ways:
- Written application
- Video application - Send a short video (up to 5 minutes). See further details if you want to submit a video.
Need help or want the form in Word format?
Email: international.womens.day.info@manchester.gov.uk
Important dates
- Applications open: 21 November 2025
- Deadline to apply: 5pm, 5 January 2026
- We’ll let you know if you’re successful by: 16 January 2026
- You must accept the grant by: 31 January 2026.
After your event
If you get funding, we’ll ask you to:
- Share photos, videos or stories before or during your event
- Fill in a short feedback form after your event
- Join a feedback session with the Council to help improve future events.