Pride in Place Runcorn Grants Programme

Small Grants Programme 2026 / 27 – Round Two

Grant Information

What is Pride in Place?

 Pride in Place is a 10-year government programme giving communities the power and funding to improve local spaces, support culture, and boost pride in where they live. Runcorn is one of 250 areas that will have £20 million investment over 10 years. Through community consultation, local people have already identified key themes that they would like to see implemented in Runcorn Old Town

 

Why a Small Grants Programme?

When residents want to make a lasting difference in their local area, they often need modest funding to get started. Community grants—sometimes known as community pots or chests—offer small but strategic amounts of money to help turn local ideas into action.  A targeted small grants scheme will enable local action, encourage participation, and unlock the potential of grassroots groups who are often best placed to understand and respond to local needs.

What are the aims of the Grants Fund?

The key aims of the project are to:

• empower local people to take action in their community
• promote inclusion, wellbeing, culture and local pride
• increase community participation and volunteering
• strengthen local networks
• improve visibility and vitality of Runcorn and the Old Town

How much can I apply for?

There are two sizes of grant pots available:

1. Micro grants of up to £250 per project
   Specifically aimed at young people aged 14 – 25 years who want to make a difference.  They are open to individuals or a group of individuals who may be part of a charity or organisation (unconstituted group).  Applicants will need to show they are or will, work in partnership or with residents to apply
    
2. Grow grants of £1k - £5k per project
   These are open to registered charities, CICs and voluntary / community organisations.  Priority will be given to smaller grassroots organisations. 

 

Funds can be used to:

• kick-start grassroots projects
• support new or emerging community groups
• enable community led activities that promote Pride in Place, wellbeing and social inclusion

There are two rounds of applications for 2026/27 to allow groups the opportunity to develop ideas. Organisations or individuals can only apply once across the two rounds.

Round 1 – Applications opened January to mid-March 2026 with decisions and grant payments made in May 2026.

Round 2 – Applications open 17th July to 11th September 2026 with decisions and grant payments in October 2026.

What can be funded?

Eligible projects may include both revenue and capital funds for example:

• Community events and celebrations
• Environmental improvements or planting schemes
• Youth activities or intergenerational projects
• Arts, heritage or cultural projects
• Equipment for local groups
• Activities to address loneliness, health and wellbeing
• Projects that help people feel safe and improve community cohesion

What we cannot fund

Generally funding is NOT available for the following purposes:

• Core Funding
• Projects that do not benefit Runcorn Old Town and the surrounding areas (please see map in guidance)
• Personal expenses that are not project related (if unsure, please ask for guidance)
• Retrospective costs (events or equipment you’ve already purchased)
• Political / religious activities

Further Help and Support

If you have any further questions regarding the grants or need any help completing your application form, please contact Jo Beech (jbeech@haltonsthelensvca.org.uk)

To Make An Application, please see the links below to the application forms:

 

Pride In Place Runcorn- Micro Grant Application Form:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/form/pride-in-place-runcorn-micro-gra

 

Pride In Place Runcorn- Grow Grant Application Form:

https://www.haltonsthelensvca.org.uk/form/pride-in-place-runcorn-grow-gran

 

 

 

 

This funding is from UK Government, facilitated through Halton Brough Council and is managed by Halton & St Helens Voluntary Community Action.