Funding Opportunities
16th of March, 2026
OPPORTUNITY
Wyre Befriending Service
John, 63, lives alone in Wyre and provides care for a family member. Before joining the befriending scheme, he experienced significant isolation and described feeling lonely, overlooked and without purpose. He is registered deaf, and this hearing impairment has contributed to what he describes as “years of feeling like I don’t fit in”.
Thanks to Wyre Council’s befriending scheme, John now has someone to talk to. Spending time with David, a befriending volunteer, has helped him get out into the community, rebuild social connections and improve his wellbeing.
Could you spare as little as one hour a week to help combat loneliness and change the life of someone like John?
Read more about John's inspiring story: https://bit.ly/471QqVQ
Visit www.wyre.gov.uk/befriending to find out more and apply online.
You can also contact the Befriending Coordinator by calling 01253 887234 or emailing befriending@wyre.gov.uk.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Community Shares Booster Fund from Co-operatives UK
Deadline: Expressions of interest close on 27th March. Applications for grants close on 1st April
Who for: Community-owned businesses
What for: Development grants for community share models e.g. governance planning and financial modelling
How much for: £2,000 to £15,000
Link: https://www.uk.coop/support-your-co-op/community-shares/support/booster-fund/apply
Further information about community shares: https://www.uk.coop/support-your-co-op/community-shares/about-community-shares
ASDA Community Spaces Fund
Deadline: Criteria will be available from 24th March. Applications open 14th April (then will close when demand becomes high)
Who for: Charities and CICs (likely near an ASDA store – so in Wyre’s case, Fleetwood)
What for: Repairs, renovations, and development of community spaces
How much for: £10,000 to £20,000
Link: https://asdafoundation.org/our-grants/local-community-spaces-fund/
Rowntree’s Free the Fund Community Grant Programme
Deadline: 5pm Tuesday 31st March
Who for: Charities and constituted groups. CICs with a guarantee less than 2 years old are ineligible.
What for: Projects for adults aged 21 to 65 years old. The projects may be arts & craft, dance, music, gardening, sport & fitness
How much for: Up to £10,000
Link: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/rowntrees-free-the-fund/
National Churches Trust
Deadline: 14th April
Who for: Listed and unlisted Christian places of worship
What for: Urgent and essential maintenance and repair projects costing up to £80,000
How much for: Grants of up to £10,000
Link: https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/get-support/grants/medium-grants