What you can’t get funding for
Some things do not meet the rules for Your Neighbourhood Fund. Read the following before you apply, as we cannot consider applications for any of the following:
- Projects that do not directly benefit Manchester residents.
- Projects led by one person rather than a group.
- Applications led by a business or an established anchor institution (like a university, housing provider, school).
- Long‑term or ongoing funding.
- Core funding such as regular staff posts or general running costs.
- Applications for more than £5,000.
- Projects that do not align with any of the thematic criteria areas.
- Projects that only replace existing facilities without clear improvement or community involvement.
- Projects that are religious or political in nature.
- Projects that conflict with our Equal Opportunities Policy.
- Projects that involve alcohol or gambling.
- Projects that are illegal or poses a health and safety risk.
- Projects that involve traffic‑calming schemes (e.g. parking permits, CCTV).
- Projects that improve or benefit privately owned land with no public access, or un‑adopted roads/footpaths.
- Project that only help one person (such as individual qualifications, counselling, legal advice).
- Groups cannot directly benefit financially from their own application (they cannot be a fiscal beneficiary).
If you are not sure whether your idea meets the rules, email the Neighbourhood Team at: yourneighbourhoodfund@manchester.gov.uk.
You can read our step by step guide to the process.