We’re excited to share that the Welcoming Spaces Grant Fund is back for the year 2024-25 and open for applications until 13th December! This fund is designed to support the creation of warm, inclusive spaces for residents impacted by cost-of-living challenges, read on to find out more…

Cheshire West & Chester Council has again allocated funds to support community buildings, groups, and schools in transforming their venues into Welcoming Spaces. These hubs offer local residents a friendly environment where they can access help with rising living costs, connect with essential services and engage with a supportive community network.

Administered by Cheshire Community Action on behalf of the Council, the Welcoming Spaces Grant Fund provides financial support of up to £1,200 per grant. While typically limited to one grant per organisation, multiple applications may be considered for organisations managing several Welcoming Spaces.

The funding is designed to help cover the additional operational costs of running Welcoming Spaces, particularly during the winter months and beyond. Recipients are encouraged to use the grants not only to maintain their services but also to enhance their financial resilience, enabling continued operations past March 2025. Monitoring requirements ensure transparency and proper use of Council resources.

The Welcoming Spaces Grant Fund aims to:

  • Help residents save money on energy bills
  • Provide advice and information to navigate cost-of-living challenges
  • Foster community spirit and social connection
  • Enhance a sense of belonging and well-being
  • Offer access to specialised support for those in need during the winter and beyond

This initiative underscores the Council’s commitment to supporting communities through challenging times, creating spaces that truly make a difference.

HOW TO APPLY

The 2024-25 Application Form and guidance notes on eligibility, how to use the fund and how to apply can be downloaded below.

Applications must be sent via email to: enquiries@cheshireaction.org.uk

CCA will carry out initial due diligence checks on applications and may request additional information or clarification before submitting your form to the grants panel, which will make the final funding decision using a scoring system based on the eligibility criteria. You will be informed of the panel’s decision at the earliest convenience but no later than two weeks from the date when your application is submitted.

All funding offers will be subject to a signed agreement that will include a commitment by the recipient organisations to report on outputs and outcomes of the agreed funding purposes.

Any applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered for funding.

Data on the usage of the warm spaces will be required for monitoring returns to the Council, and feedback will be requested to inform the evaluation. Details of this will be provided in grant offer letters.

Key Dates:

27th November 2024 – Launch Grant Scheme

13th December 2024 at 12 pm – Application Deadline

If you need any help with your application, please contact Cheshire Community Action on 01244 400222 or email enquiries@cheshireaction.org.uk

Download Grant Guidance
Download Application Form (MS Word)