The Together Fund was previously known as the Tackling Inequalities Fund which focused on providing an immediate response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund has now evolved into The Together Fund and exists to reduce the negative impact of COVID-19 and support community groups to grow and help more people. The Together Fund is a Sport England initiative which supports non-profit community organisations to recover and emerge from the long-term impacts of COVID-19.

BME Youth (a national youth organisation for children and young people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities in UK) is administering this programme, inviting clubs, groups, associations and organisations to apply for Together Fund to deliver sports and physical activities including health and wellbeing activities, to culturally diverse communities, disabled people, lower socioeconomic groups and people with long term health conditions to improve their health and wellbeing.

Grants for up to £10,000 are on offer to groups who are engaging the following communities in movement and physical activity:

• People with long-term health conditions.
• Disabled people.
• Lower socio-economic groups.
• Culturally diverse communities.

The fund is primarily aimed at voluntary and community sector organisations. However, applications from NHS/Local Authority or Leisure Trusts will be considered if it can be demonstrated that this is the best way to engage the relevant communities.

Grants can be used for costs associated with project delivery including equipment, hire of facilities, staff and volunteer costs, coach fees and transport and travel.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis (first come first served) until 31 March 2023,  or once all funds have been allocated. So apply now. Activities must be completed by 30th September 2023. The online application is easy to complete.  BME Youth has a grants officer who can offer you support: grants@bmeyouth.org.uk tel: tel:01603 748403.  Please read the guidance first to clarify the funder’s criteria. Full details and application form at: https://www.bmeyouth.org.uk/funding/ 

VAL’s funding support offer:

Please remember that at Voluntary Action Leeds we have a support worker who can help you with any funding applications, contact kaye.wilson@val.org.uk.

Top tip: apply quickly before the money runs out rather than waiting for the deadline, but also ensure you are clear about the activities you want to fund and make a list of them costing each out carefully.