Request for Proposals: The Zuto Make A Difference Fund (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 24-Sep-2026

The Zuto Make A Difference Fund is inviting applications from grassroots community groups across Greater Manchester to support local projects and activities that create positive outcomes for their communities. Established through a partnership between Zuto and Forever Manchester, the fund provides direct financial support to small, locally controlled community groups. It is designed particularly for volunteer-managed organisations seeking funding to strengthen their work and benefit local people. Eligible groups can apply for up to £1,000 to support a wide range of community projects and activities.

About the Zuto Make A Difference Fund

The Zuto Make A Difference Fund supports grassroots community organisations operating across Greater Manchester. The fund aims to empower small organisations that are locally controlled and managed by volunteers. It provides financial assistance to groups seeking to enhance their existing work and deliver positive outcomes for their communities. Unlike funds focused on specific themes, the Zuto Make A Difference Fund does not restrict the type of project or activity that can be proposed, provided it benefits the local community. How Much Funding Is Available?

The maximum grant available is:

- Up to £1,000 per application Applicants cannot request more than £1,000. Requests above this amount will not be considered. The funding can support a wide range of local projects and activities, provided they deliver positive outcomes for the community. Who Can Apply? The fund is open to grassroots community organisations that meet the eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

- Be based in one of the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester. - Be a grassroots community organisation. - Have an annual income of less than £75,000. - Be small and locally controlled. - Be managed by volunteers. The fund is intended to help community groups that need financial assistance to strengthen their local activities. What Projects Can Be Supported? The Zuto Make A Difference Fund does not limit applications to a particular type of project or activity. Groups can propose activities as long as they: - Benefit the local community. - Deliver positive outcomes. - Support the organisation’s work within its community. - Address a local need or opportunity through community activity. This broad approach allows grassroots groups to seek support for a variety of locally relevant projects. What Activities Are Not Eligible? Some activities are specifically excluded from funding.

The fund will not support:

- Activities that have already taken place. - Contributions to major appeals. - Activities promoting political beliefs. - Activities promoting religious beliefs. - Activities that should be provided by statutory services. - Requests above the maximum £1,000 award. Applicants should ensure that their proposed activity meets the fund’s requirements before submitting an application. Supporting Volunteer-Led Community Groups The fund is designed to support small organisations that are managed by volunteers and locally controlled. This provides grassroots groups with an opportunity to obtain financial assistance for activities that may otherwise be difficult to fund through their existing resources. Positive Outcomes for Local Communities The main requirement for proposed projects is that they should deliver positive outcomes for the local community. Because the fund does not prescribe a specific project theme, applicants can propose activities that are relevant to the needs and circumstances of their own communities. Key Facts About the Zuto Make A Difference Fund

- Programme: Zuto Make A Difference Fund

- Partners: Zuto and Forever Manchester

- Maximum award: £1,000

- Target applicants: Grassroots community organisations

- Location: Greater Manchester

- Coverage: 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester

- Annual income limit: Less than £75,000

- Organisation focus: Small, locally controlled, volunteer-managed groups

- Project focus: Local projects and activities

- Main requirement: Projects must deliver positive outcomes for the local community

- Previous activities: Not eligible

- Major appeals: Contributions not eligible

- Political activities: Not eligible

- Religious activities: Not eligible when promoting religious beliefs

- Statutory services: Activities that should be provided by statutory services are not eligible

- Requests above £1,000: Not considered

Frequently Asked Questions About the Zuto Make A Difference Fund What is the Zuto Make A Difference Fund? The Zuto Make A Difference Fund provides financial support to grassroots community groups in Greater Manchester for local projects and activities that deliver positive outcomes for their communities. How much funding is available? Groups can apply for a maximum of £1,000 per application. Who can apply for the fund? Grassroots community organisations based in any of the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester can apply if they have an annual income of less than £75,000 and meet the fund’s requirements. What is the annual income limit? Applicants must have an annual income of less than £75,000. Does the fund support only specific types of projects? No. The fund does not restrict the type of project or activity that can be proposed, provided it delivers positive outcomes for the local community. Can volunteer-managed groups apply? Yes. The fund is designed to support small, locally controlled groups that are managed by volunteers. Can an organisation request more than £1,000? No. The maximum award is £1,000, and requests above this amount will not be considered. Can activities that have already taken place receive funding? No. Activities that have already taken place are not eligible. Are political activities eligible? No. Activities promoting political beliefs are not eligible for funding. Are religious activities eligible? No. Activities promoting religious beliefs are not eligible for funding. Can statutory services receive fundin