Community support scheme
There are so many incredible organisations working to make our local communities a better place and improve the lives of those within them. We want to support as many as we can.
That’s why, in 2015, we established our Community Support Scheme through The Equilibrium Foundation.
What is the community support scheme?
The Equilibrium Foundation’s Community Support Scheme offers not-for-profit organisations across the North West the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to £1,000. Grants are awarded to help fund specific projects or activities that make a tangible difference in our communities.
Applications are reviewed twice a year. Up to six winners are chosen in each round, with grants totalling up to £6,000 per round.
Who can apply?
To be eligible, your organisation must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a registered charity, Community Interest Company (CIC), or constituted community group with a formal governing document
- Hold a bank account in the organisation’s name
- Operate within Greater Manchester, Cheshire East, or Cheshire West and Chester
- Be applying for a specific project, activity, or item of expenditure – not general running costs or salaries
Priority areas
While we welcome applications from organisations with a wide range of aims, we particularly welcome projects that support:
- Financial wellbeing and education
- Mental health and community wellbeing
- Youth development and employability
- Reducing social isolation, particularly among older people
Supporting disadvantaged families and individuals
What we don’t fund
Applications will not normally be considered for:
- Individuals (the scheme is for organisations only)
- PTAs
- Projects that promote political activities
- Projects primarily involving animals
- Commercial or profit-making enterprises
How can my organisation apply for a grant?
You can submit your application for the community support scheme here. The next submission deadline is:
Tuesday 1 September 2026
What to include in your application
To give your application the best chance of success, please include:
- A clear description of the specific project or activity the grant will fund
- A simple breakdown of how the money will be spent
- The number of people who will benefit, and how
What happens next?
All applications are initially reviewed and shortlisted by a panel before the trustees of The Equilibrium Foundation select the final winners. We aim to notify all successful applicants within four weeks of the submission deadline.
If you are successful, we may ask you to provide a short update within three months of receiving your grant, letting us know how the money has been used and the difference it has made. We’d love to include photos and quotes on our website and social media (with your permission) to help celebrate the brilliant work you do.
If you are unsuccessful, you will not be notified due to the amount of interest. We strongly encourage you to apply again in a future round.
Get in touch
If you have any queries about our Community Support Scheme, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at charity@equilibrium.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.
Previous Winners
Platform for Life
“Your grant of £500 will enable a child, young person or adult to access 10 free community-based therapy sessions which will help to make such a difference to their life.” – Ceri George, CEO
Reddish Men in Sheds
“We rely almost entirely on funding as the income from the bikes (approx. £2,000 p.a.) cannot meet our outgoings of rent and utilities approx. £12,000 p.a.). This grant will help us to ‘Keep on pedalling!’ Through common purpose and shared activity we can find a way out of isolation and inactivity for the older men that attend our group." – Mary Lorigan, Administrator
Basically Cheer CIC
It means so much to us having support like this available to help with these initial startup costs. We are incredibly excited for the future and will be forever grateful that you have provided us with this grant. “By receiving this grant, it means that we can move forward with our plans quicker and get the ball rolling with our new premises.” – Lianne Bruce, Founder