The Youth, Play, and Participation Service is pleased to provide advance notice of the upcoming Commissioning process, it is scheduled to launch week beginning 9th June 2025.
This funding opportunity is for organisations based in Manchester seeking financial support for projects over a three-year period (subject to annual funding approval). This initiative aims to support impactful programmes that align with Council priorities and deliver positive outcomes for children and young people.
Key dates
This funding round covers a 36-month period from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2029, contingent on Council funding availability each year.
To ensure a fair and efficient allocation of resources, the application process will follow a two-stage process:
Stage 1 Expression of interest (EOI)
- Applicants must complete an EOI form as an initial screening to assess eligibility against defined criteria
- This process determines whether applicants meet the fundamental requirements before proceeding to the next stage
- EOI Closing Date: Noon, 27th June 2025
- Applicants will be notified of decisions week beginning 11th July 2025
Stage 2 Full application
- Applicants who successfully pass the EOI stage will be invited to submit a detailed application, providing comprehensive information about their project, objectives, and planned use of funding
- Full Application Closing Date: 15th August 2025
- Following assessment, applicants will be informed of final funding decisions week beginning 15th December 2025, the length between submission and being informed is due to approval and Council committee processes
Available funding
A total of £1.62 million per year is available through this funding programme. Applicants can apply for either a small single-year grant or a multiple-year grant, with the following funding limits:
| Funding Level | Amount |
| Small Single-Year Grant | Under £10,000 |
| Multiple-Year Grant | Over £10,000 |
- Small single-year grants totalling £100,000 from the £1.62 million will be awarded annually.
- Organisations applying for a multiple-year grant cannot apply for a small single-year grant.
- Organisations cannot request funding exceeding 50% of their annual turnover.
- In line with Council financial regulations, organisations cannot apply for more than £500,000 over the three-year period.
Information sessions
To support applicants throughout this process, we will be hosting one in person meeting and two webinars to provide an overview of the funding criteria and application steps.
These will take place on:
- In person meeting – Tuesday 10th June, 3.30pm-4.30pm at Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester, M2 5NS Register here
- First webinar – Thursday 12th June, 10.30am-11.30am Register here
- Second webinar – Thursday 12th June, 6pm-7pm Register here
For full details on the Commissioning Framework, requirements and expectations including application forms, visit www.manchester.gov.uk starting the week of 9th June 2025.