The Rowntree’s Free the Fund Community Grant Programme provides funding for community organisations running activities that improve wellbeing and bring people together.
The programme focuses on projects that create positive social experiences and strengthen community connections through outdoor activities and shared spaces.
Funding is available for organisations delivering engaging community projects during the summer months that help adults take part in creative, physical or social activities.
About the Free the Fund Programme
The Free the Fund programme aims to support local organisations to host fun, inclusive activities that improve wellbeing and create stronger communities.
The initiative is designed to help people connect with others, make the most of shared outdoor spaces and participate in creative or active community events. Projects are expected to bring people together and create positive moments that improve wellbeing and social connection.
Each year, a small number of projects are selected to receive funding to deliver activities during the summer period.
How Much Funding Is Available
Four community projects across the UK and Ireland will receive grants of up to £10,000 each.
Funding can support activities such as improving community spaces, running creative events or purchasing equipment needed to deliver community programmes.
Projects must be delivered by the end of September 2026.
What the Fund Supports
The programme supports initiatives that bring people together and improve local spaces for community activities.
Examples of eligible activities include:
- Improving or transforming community gardens or outdoor spaces
- Hosting summer arts festivals or creative workshops
- Purchasing equipment for sports, arts, theatre or music activities
- Running dance, gardening or fitness activities for local residents
Projects should demonstrate how they will improve wellbeing and create opportunities for people to connect through shared experiences.
Who Is Eligible
Applications are open to registered charities and not-for-profit organisations in the UK and Ireland.
Eligible organisations include community groups, sports clubs, social housing providers and other not-for-profit organisations delivering community activities.
Projects must:
- Support adults aged between 21 and 65
- Improve community wellbeing or outdoor activity spaces
- Deliver activities that benefit local people and encourage participation
Individuals, profit-making organisations and certain public sector bodies are not eligible to apply.
What the Fund Will Not Support
The programme does not fund:
- Projects focused on children or schools
- Activities related to recycling, energy use or sustainability
- Healthy eating or cooking initiatives
- Research projects or conferences
- General organisational running costs
- Retrospective funding for activities already completed
Projects must focus on adult community activities and provide clear benefits to participants.
Application Timeline
Applications open on 2 March 2026 and close at 5pm on 31 March 2026.
Organisations must complete an eligibility check before submitting a full application.
Successful projects must deliver their activities by the end of September 2026.
Is This Right for Your Organisation
If your organisation runs community activities and wants to create fun, inclusive experiences that improve wellbeing, the Free the Fund programme could be a good fit.
This funding is particularly suitable for grassroots organisations delivering creative, outdoor or physical activities that bring people together and help communities make better use of local spaces.
