Entries open for Future Places Fund (United Kingdom)

The Future Places Fund, a collaborative initiative by Leeds Community Foundation and Leeds Civic Trust, invites communities in Leeds to envision and shape the future of their local areas. This fund supports creative, community-led projects that aim to influence local planning and decisions, leaving a lasting legacy. Applications are open until 7 December 2026, 12 noon. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Leeds Community Foundation and Leeds Civic Trust

- Funding Amount: £20,000 (fixed grant, £10,000 per year)

- Eligible Applicants: Incorporated not-for-profit organizations in Leeds

- Eligible Countries: United Kingdom (specifically Leeds)

- Deadline: 7 December 2026, 12 noon

- Project Duration: 2 years

- Decision Announcement: March 2027

About the Opportunity

The Future Places Fund aims to empower communities in Leeds to actively participate in shaping the future of their local environments. By supporting projects that foster creative engagement and planning, the fund encourages communities to produce innovative ideas and tangible outputs that can guide future actions and decisions. The initiative seeks to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups and promote inclusivity in community planning. Funding and Benefits

- Grant Size: £20,000 over two years, with £10,000 disbursed annually.

- Purpose: To support projects that explore and influence the future development of local areas.

- Output Requirement: Projects must produce a tangible output or “future artefact” such as a report, map, model, exhibition, or film.

Who Is Eligible? - Eligible Entities: Incorporated not-for-profit organizations (e.g., Charitable Incorporated Organizations, Community Interest Companies limited by guarantee, charitable companies) registered with the Charity Commission, Companies House, or FCA Mutuals Public Register.

- Eligibility Conditions:

- Must be registered for at least two years. - Have an income of under £750,000 in the latest published accounts. - Only one application per organization. - Must have a governing document with a dissolution clause/asset lock and a bank account with at least two unrelated signatories. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas Projects should focus on community engagement to develop a shared vision for the future. Examples include: - Community workshops or creative engagements to develop long-term visions. - Street surveys, pop-ups, or walking tours to explore and document potential changes. - Collaborations with local communities and partners to influence future actions. Why This Opportunity Matters This fund provides a unique opportunity for communities in Leeds to play an integral role in shaping their environments. By fostering community-led initiatives, the Future Places Fund aims to create spaces that reflect the needs and aspirations of their populations, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development. How to Apply

- Review Guidelines: Before starting your application, review the full grant-making process and guidance on the use of AI in applications.

- Create an Account: Access the Leeds Community Foundation grants portal and create an account.

- Start Application: Click on ‘Start a new application’ to begin the process.

- Submit Required Documents: Ensure all required documents are submitted as incomplete applications will not be considered.

- Contact for Assistance: If you have questions, contact the foundation at grants@leedscf.org.uk or call 0113 242 2426.

Frequently Asked Questions Who can apply for the Future Places Fund? Incorporated not-for-profit organizations based in Leeds that meet the specified eligibility criteria can apply. What is the maximum funding amount available? The maximum funding amount is £20,000, distributed over two years. What types of projects will the fund support? Projects that engage communities in planning and envisioning the future of their local areas, producing tangible outputs, are supported. What is the deadline for applications? The deadline is 7 December 2026, at 12 noon. How can I contact the foundation for more information? You can contact Leeds Community Foundation at grants@leedscf.org.uk or call 0113 242 2426, Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 1 pm. Next Steps Eligible organizations are encouraged to review the official guidelines thoroughly and begin their applications promptly. For more information and support, contact Leeds Community Foundation directly.