Leeds Older People’s Forum (LOPF) has launched a new £100,000 Active Ageing grant programme to support community-based projects helping older adults stay active, connected and independent.
Funded by Leeds Public Health and Active Leeds, the programme is designed to support sustainable, locally led approaches to healthy ageing across Leeds communities. Grants are open to a wide range of third sector organisations, including charities, community groups, neighbourhood networks, faith organisations, social enterprises and grassroots organisations.
Applications opened on Friday 8 May 2026 and close at 5pm on Friday 29 May 2026.
What Funding Is Available?
There are two separate grant strands, with organisations able to apply for one or both:
1. Embedding Active Ageing in Communities
Funding for activities that help adults aged 40+ stay active, connected and independent.
This could include:
- Strength and balance sessions
- Walking groups
- Dance and exercise activities
- Gardening and outdoor activities
- Swimming and active travel projects
- Projects supporting people to move more safely around their homes and neighbourhoods
Projects are encouraged to take a holistic approach to healthy ageing, including signposting, social connection, wellbeing support and partnership working.
2. Workforce Development to Support Active Ageing
Funding to help staff and volunteers build skills and confidence to support healthy ageing in their communities.
Funding can support:
- Physical activity instructor accreditation
- Walk leader training
- Occupational therapy-related training
- Health coaching and behaviour change courses
- Other relevant professional development
The funding can also cover staff backfill and travel costs to help make training more accessible.
Grant Amounts
Organisations can apply for:
- Small grants: up to £1,000
- Medium grants: up to £5,000
- Large grants: up to £10,000
Applications can combine both funding strands within a single application form.
Focus on Sustainability and Inclusion
The programme has been shaped by learning from previous healthy ageing and community health work across Leeds, including the Creative Healthy Ageing programme. The guidance highlights the importance of:
- Long-term sustainability
- Relationship-based community work
- Accessible application processes
- Reaching underserved communities
- Supporting the 20% most deprived communities in Leeds
Applications should demonstrate how activity can continue beyond the initial 12-month funding period.
Useful Resources for Applicants
LOPF has also signposted a range of supporting resources that may help organisations strengthen their applications, including:
- Leeds Director of Public Health Annual Report on Ageing Well
- Public Health dashboard data
- National Centre for Creative Health resources
- MindWell physical activity information
- Leeds Green Activity Provider Network
- Marmot City and inclusion health resources
How to Apply
Applications can be completed online via the LOPF application form.
Alternative formats are also available, including downloadable, printed and large print versions.
For questions about the programme, contact:
[email protected]
Full details and application information can be found here
