Thrive Together Fund Opens for Bradford Community Projects

New funding opportunities aim to support inclusive community initiatives

The Thrive Together Fund, a collaboration between GiveBradford and The National Lottery Community Fund, has opened for applications. The fund is designed to support projects that develop inclusive places, spaces, and activities for people who face barriers to coming together, particularly those experiencing poverty, disadvantage, or discrimination.

Purpose and focus of the fund

The fund aims to promote positive relationships, improve mental and physical wellbeing, and strengthen community ties in Bradford. Projects supported by the fund are expected to help people shape decisions affecting their lives and contribute to the overall success of the local area.

Small grants

Small grants are available for unregistered organisations or those with an income under £75,000. Key details include:

• Grant size: up to £10,000
• Eligible applicants: organisations based in Bradford or with strong connections to Bradford communities
• Organisations with income under £75,000 in the most recent financial year
• Unregistered organisations can apply for up to £5,000; applications above this amount require registration with the Charity Commission or Companies House
• Only one application per organisation will be considered
• Up to 25% of the grant may be used for core costs
• Project duration: 1 year
• Application deadline: 16 February 2026 at 12 noon
• Decisions announced: May 2026

Examples of activities eligible for funding include:

• Programmes supporting young people aged 15–21 facing barriers to education, employment, or community participation
• Community storytelling cafés that bring together neighbours across cultures and generations
• Organisational development such as staff training, governance updates, accessible services, and volunteer coordination

Large grants

Large grants are intended for organisations with an income under £750,000 and at least two years of registration. Key points include:

• Grant size: up to £30,000
• Applicants must be registered with the Charity Commission or Companies House
• Organisations should be based in Bradford or demonstrate a strong connection to Bradford communities
• Only one application per organisation will be considered
• Up to 25% of the grant may be used for core costs
• Project duration: 3 years
• Application deadline: 16 February 2026 at 12 noon
• Decisions announced: May 2026

Examples of activities that may be funded include:

• Mentorship programmes connecting experienced community members with young people or newcomers
• Skill-sharing workshops covering areas such as cooking, crafts, or technology
• Community gardening projects providing natural spaces for residents to connect

Both funding streams encourage applications from or benefiting people who experience poverty, disadvantage, or discrimination, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, racially minoritised groups, and d/Deaf or disabled people.

For further details and to apply, interested parties are advised to visit the official Doing Good Leeds website.

Read more and apply here

Source: Doing Good Leeds