Apply for a grant
If you run youth or play services in Manchester, you can apply for a grant to help fund your work.
This is the first step in a two-part application. Apply now to send us an Expression of Interest (EOI) by noon on 27 June 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
Who can apply?
We welcome:
- individual applications (from one group)
- partnership applications (from three or more groups working together).
We will prioritise partnerships, but strong individual applications are still welcome.
How to apply
Individual applications
- You can apply to work in one area or across the city.
- If you apply alone, you can’t also be in a partnership application.
Partnership applications
- You can apply as a group of three or more organisations.
- One group must act as the lead partner and complete the application.
- The other groups in the partnership are known as named partners. All partners must help deliver the project.
Important rules for partnerships:
- A group can only be the lead partner in one application. But can be a named partner in other applications in different areas.
- Named partners can be part of more than one partnership across the city.
- The lead partner can claim up to 10% of the grant for management costs.
How much can you apply for?
This funding runs from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029. There is £1.62 million available each year.
You can apply for a:
- small grant (one year): Under £10,000; or a
- large grant (up to three years): Over £10,000.
You can’t ask for more than:
- 50% of your yearly income
- £500,000 over three years.
When will you hear back?
We’ll tell you if your EOI is successful by 11 July 2025. If successful, we’ll invite you to send us a full application.
Last time, we had six times more requests than available funding. Please have a backup plan in case you don’t get the full amount.
For help completing your application
Read the full Commissioning Framework 2026–2029. This document explains our goals and what we expect from funded projects. It’s useful if you want to understand the bigger picture or check how your project fits.
You must complete the online application form, those who encounter difficulties with online applications please contact youth_team@manchester.gov.uk
Further resources
You may find it helpful to look at the following resources before completing the application.