Open Call: Health and Wellbeing Grants Programme 2026-2027 (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The Health and Wellbeing Grants Programme supports local sporting and community organisations in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area to deliver projects that promote positive mental health and wellbeing through physical activity and community engagement. Eligible organisations can receive up to £1,000, with grants providing up to 100% of eligible project costs. The programme has a total budget of £40,000 and awards grants on a rolling basis until the available funding is exhausted.

About the Health and Wellbeing Grants Programme

The Health and Wellbeing Grants Programme is designed to create more opportunities for local residents to participate in activities that improve physical health, mental wellbeing, social connection, and community engagement. The programme supports the Council’s wider aim of developing healthy and engaged communities by encouraging sustained participation in physical, social, and creative activities. It also aims to support independent living and improve access to appropriate support services within local communities. What Does the Programme Support? Funding is available for projects that demonstrate a clear contribution to mental health and wellbeing within a sporting club or community setting.

Eligible activities may include:

- Activities that increase participation in physical and mental wellbeing programmes. - Community activities that encourage social engagement and connection. - Project-specific venue hire. - Travel within Northern Ireland that is directly related to the project. - Facilitator fees for mental health and wellbeing activities. - Project-specific equipment. - Other eligible costs directly connected with delivering the proposed activity. Projects should demonstrate how the proposed activities will positively affect individuals and contribute to the outcomes identified in the Council’s Community Plan. Mental Health and Wellbeing Focus Applicants should clearly explain how their project will promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

Projects may focus on:

- Increasing participation in physical activity. - Supporting positive mental wellbeing. - Reducing social isolation. - Creating opportunities for community participation. - Encouraging social connection. - Supporting healthy and active lifestyles. - Providing accessible activities within sporting or community settings. - Helping individuals engage with appropriate wellbeing or support services. The proposed activities should have a clear benefit for participants rather than simply providing general organisational support. Grant Amount Eligible sporting and community organisations can receive up to £1,000. The Council will consider funding of up to 100% of total eligible project costs for eligible applications. The overall programme budget is £40,000. Applications are assessed and funded on a rolling basis, meaning grants will continue to be awarded until the available programme funding has been exhausted. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to eligible local sporting and community organisations operating within the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area.

Applicants must:

- Be based within the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area. - Operate on a non-profit basis. - Have an adopted governing document. - Demonstrate inclusivity. - Demonstrate good governance. - Meet relevant equal opportunities requirements. - Have appropriate insurance. - Meet safeguarding requirements. - Demonstrate appropriate financial accountability. Organisations should be able to demonstrate that they have the appropriate structures and safeguards in place to deliver activities responsibly. Who Cannot Apply? The following are not eligible to apply: - Individuals. - For-profit organisations. - Schools. - Organisations operating outside the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area. Applicants should check their organisational status and geographical eligibility before preparing an application. Eligible Project Costs The grant can support costs that are directly related to delivering an eligible health and wellbeing project.

Examples include:

- Project-specific venue hire. - Travel within Northern Ireland. - Mental health and wellbeing facilitator fees. - Project-specific equipment. - Costs associated with activities that increase participation in physical and mental wellbeing programmes. General organisational costs that are not directly connected to the proposed project may not qualify. What Makes a Strong Application? A strong application should clearly connect the proposed activity with improved mental health and wellbeing.

Applicants should explain:

- What activity they plan to deliver. - Who will participate. - What wellbeing need the project addresses. - How the activity will encourage physical or social engagement. - How participants are expected to benefit. - How the project contributes to the Council’s Community Plan outcomes. - Why the requested funding is necessary. - How the grant will be used to deliver the project. Applications should focus on measurable benefits for individuals and communities rather than simply describing the organisation. Community Impact The programme is intended to help create healthier, more connected, and more engaged communities.

Funded projects can help residents:

- Become more physically active. - Improve their mental wellbeing. - Develop stronger social connections. - Take part in community activities. - Access supportive and inclusive environments. - Maintain active and independent lifestyles. Sporting clubs and community organisations can use the funding to create accessible opportunities for people who may benefit from additional physical, social, or wellbeing activities. How to Prepare Your Application Before applying, organisations should make sure they meet all eligibility requirements and have the necessary governance and safeguarding arrangements in place.

Applicants should prepare:

- A clear description of the propo