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:
- 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 not 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.
- 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 grass roots projects
- support new or emerging community groups,
- enable community led activities that promote pride in place, wellbeing and social inclusion
Application must link to one or more of the Pride In Place themes as highlighted in the application pack below or you can view a full list here
There will be 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 open January to mid-March 2026 with decisions and grant payments in Apri 2026.
Round 2 – Applications open July to mid-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
We Can’t fund:
Generally funding is NOT available for the following purposes:
- Core Funding
- Projects that do not benefit Runcorn Old Town and it’s 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 & 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)
2026 First Round Timetable:
- Applications open for submission from Monday 19th January 2026
- Closing date for applications Friday 13th March 2026
- Grant panel meet on 30th March 2026
- Decisions communicated to applicants within 1 week.
- Grant payments aim to be completed by 10th April – subject to Grow Grant Agreement completed and returned.
You can download the guidance and physical forms at the bottom of this page