Rowntree Community Grants Support Summer Activities Across Local Areas

VCSE organisations across the UK and Ireland are being encouraged to apply for the Rowntree Free the Fund Community Grant, which is now offering four awards of up to £10,000 to support summer activities for adults aged 21 to 65.

The fund aims to strengthen local communities by improving outdoor spaces and creating meaningful opportunities for connection, wellbeing and participation. Whether enhancing a shared green space or launching a new community-led activity, the grants provide flexible support to help organisations bring people together this summer.

Funding Focus: Outdoor Spaces & Community Participation

The Rowntree Community Grant is designed to support projects that:

• Improve or transform outdoor environments used by local residents
• Enable community involvement through accessible and engaging activities
• Benefit people aged 21–65 in local neighbourhoods
• Encourage wellbeing, social connection and active participation

Eligible uses for the funding include:

• Upgrading or maintaining community gardens and shared outdoor areas
• Purchasing equipment for arts, theatre, music or sports activities
• Improving outdoor venues or activity spaces for local groups
• Delivering creative or physical activities that take place outdoors

What Kind of Activities Can Be Funded?

The grant supports a broad range of summer activities, including:

• Arts and crafts workshops
• Dance, theatre and performance events
• Music sessions, concerts or community festivals
• Gardening, environmental or nature‑based activities
• Sports, fitness and wellbeing activities

Example Projects

To help spark ideas, the funder has highlighted the types of initiatives that could be supported:

• Hosting a summer art festival in a community garden
• Supporting a wheelchair basketball club with new equipment
• Upgrading outdoor team sports facilities to increase access
• Creating a community-led music and arts programme
• Developing outdoor social spaces that encourage everyday use

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to a wide range of VCSE organisations, including:

• Registered charities
• Social enterprises
• Not‑for‑profit organisations
• Hospices
• Sports clubs
• Social housing providers

All applicants must be based in the UK or Ireland, and projects must clearly demonstrate how they will benefit adults in the required age range.

A Chance to Build Stronger, More Connected Communities

Projects should emphasise accessibility, participation, and community benefit, ensuring activities are welcoming to people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Application deadline:

31 March 2026 at 17:00