Healthy Holidays Programme Now Accepting Applications

Funding available to support holiday activities for children in Leeds

The Healthy Holidays programme, a partnership between Leeds Community Foundation and Leeds City Council, is now open for applications. Funded by the Department for Education, the initiative aims to support community organisations in providing activities and nutritious food during school holidays for children eligible for free school meals.

Eligibility and Key Requirements

The programme primarily supports school-aged children confirmed eligible for benefit-related free school meals by Leeds City Council, who must make up at least 85% of attendees. Up to 15% of places may be allocated to other school-aged children experiencing food precarity.

To qualify for funding, activities must meet the following criteria:

• Run for a minimum of 4 days during the Christmas and Easter holidays, and at least 16 days during the Summer holiday period.
• Operate for at least 4 hours per day.
• Include at least 1 hour of physical activity each day.
• Provide a hot meal to attendees, with breakfast and healthy snacks offered where possible.
• Incorporate daily nutritional education as part of the programme.

Applicants are also expected to be open to and actively support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Additionally, they should be able to connect children and families to relevant local support services.

Examples of Funded Activities

• Daily sessions featuring sports, dance, drama, outdoor activities, games, arts and crafts, environmental activities, and active play.
• New experiences such as day trips to the coast, countryside, or local attractions.
• Activities promoting cultural cohesion and understanding of different cultures.
• Cookery sessions and information aimed at improving families’ skills and confidence in preparing affordable, healthy meals.
• Educational components to help children understand nutrition and how to maintain it in daily life.

Grant Details and Application Process

• Grant size: Up to £22,000 per project.
• Location: Leeds.
• Programme duration: Summer 2026, Christmas 2026, and Easter 2027 school holidays.
• Application deadline: 31 March 2026 at 12 noon.
• Decisions expected: May 2026.

Further information and the application form can be found on the Doing Good Leeds website.

Read more and apply here

Source: Doing Good Leeds