Citizen Local Fund - applications now open

The Citizen Local Fund is now open for applications:

📅 Opening date: Monday 14 September 2026

📅 Closing date: Friday 23 October 2026

Apply now through our website.

Support with your application

We have lots of helpful information and resources to support you with your application.

💻 Using a laptop or computer?
You'll find helpful resources on the right-hand side of this page.

📱 Using a mobile phone or tablet?
Please scroll down to see all the guidance and support available.

These resources can help you understand the fund, plan your project, and prepare your application.

A helpful tip from a funded project

One funded project shared this advice:

"If you're thinking of applying, go for it. Just be clear about what you want to achieve and how it will benefit your community."

They told us that planning ahead helped make things easier and that the funding made a real difference in bringing their idea to life.

What is the Citizen Local Fund?

The Citizen Local Fund provides grants to help local projects and activities get started, grow, or make a bigger difference in their communities.

The fund supports ideas that help make communities stronger, healthier, and more connected.

We know local people understand their communities best. That's why we invest in ideas that can make a real difference where people live.

How much can I apply for?

You can apply for a grant between £50 and £3,000.

✅ Tell us how much funding you need and how you will use it.

✅ Make sure the amount you ask for is right for your project.

✅ All applications will be reviewed against the Citizen Local Fund criteria.

✅ We want to support as many great community projects as possible. Some projects may receive the full amount requested, while others may receive part of the funding they applied for.

What types of projects do we support?

We support projects that:

✅ Improve physical and mental wellbeing

✅ Reduce loneliness and isolation

✅ Bring people together

✅ Improve local neighbourhoods

Whether it's an activity, event, group, service, or community project, we want to help local ideas become reality.

Why do we offer the fund?

At Citizen, we believe strong communities help people thrive.

The Citizen Local Fund helps local people and organisations create opportunities, build connections, and improve the places where they live.

By supporting community-led projects, we can help make a positive difference together.

Looking for inspiration?

Take a look at our Citizen Local Fund Awarded Projects 2026 page.

You'll find examples of projects that received funding in Round 1 and learn about the difference they are making in their communities.

👉 Citizen Local Fund Awarded Projects

Round 1 in numbers

We're delighted to have supported 10 community projects through Round 1 of the Citizen Local Fund 2026.

📊 Applications funded: 10

💷 Total funding awarded: £16,598.31

Thank you to everyone who applied. We were inspired by the passion, creativity, and commitment shown by local people and organisations working to improve their communities.

We can't wait to hear about the amazing projects happening in our communities. 🌟