Stronger Leeds Fund Open for Applications to Support Community Cohesion Across Leeds
Applications are now open for a new Stronger Leeds grant programme supporting projects that strengthen community cohesion, belonging and inclusion across Leeds.
Leeds City Council has launched a one-off funding round for third sector organisations, grassroots groups, faith groups and community organisations to help deliver the aims of the Stronger Leeds Strategy.
Funding of between £5,000 and £50,000 is available. Maximum £50,000 revenue funding and £25,000 capital funding (£75,000 total possible).
SAFE
Creating safe spaces for community conversation.
STRONG
Building community trust.
UNDERSTANDING
Celebrating differences and building a shared sense of belonging.
THRIVING
Promoting community ownership and shared responses.
The funding can support both new and existing projects that help strengthen social cohesion across the city.
Examples of eligible activity include:
• Dialogue and community conversations
• Volunteering, leadership and community ownership
• Events, festivals and shared activities
• Tackling misinformation, hate and prejudice
• Strengthening trust between communities and services
• Reducing isolation and improving connectedness
The fund can also support activities linked to Leeds 400, International Day of Disabled People, sport, arts, community spaces and projects that improve safety and community resilience.
The programme particularly welcomes projects that broaden participation and engage people who are underrepresented or less likely to take part in community discussions or local activities.
Projects can also run for between 6 and 18 months.
Applications are now open and must be submitted by 5pm on 23 June 2026.
Application guidance and application forms are available from the Leeds City Council Cohesion Team. Completed applications should be returned to:
Questions about the fund can also be sent to:
This funding opportunity forms part of the wider Stronger Leeds Strategy, which focuses on creating safer, more connected communities where people feel respected, valued and able to belong.
Related Reading
This work connects closely with wider conversations taking place across Leeds around inclusion, belonging and community resilience. Forum Central recently shared a position statement focused on standing together against hate and supporting communities affected by discrimination and division:
https://forumcentral.org.uk/forum-central-position-statement-standing-together-against-hate/
It also links to broader discussions around neighbourhood working, prevention and the role of communities in shaping healthier, more connected places across the city:
https://forumcentral.org.uk/may-reps-reference-meeting-building-neighbourhood-health-in-leeds/
Additional resources and opportunities linked to cohesion, misinformation and community safety are also available.
The Migration Partnership has launched a new route for reporting misinformation affecting migrant communities:
https://migrationpartnership.org.uk/new-route-for-reporting-misinformation-april-26/
Updated Prevent Awareness virtual training sessions are available online:
https://www.universe.com/events/new-and-updated-prevent-awareness-virtual-training-tickets-DRXLGV
Community feedback and engagement form:
https://forms.office.com/e/PkRei4gvrB
Podcast discussion and reflections:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3e82BsLaKdHe1siB7EoBUZ
Find Out More
Read more about the Stronger Leeds strategy:
https://www.leeds.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity/stronger-leeds-strategy
