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Community grants

Voluntary and community groups rely on grant funding to help them provide services that make a difference in their communities.

If you run a community group in Barnsley, you can apply for funding from your local ward alliance or area council for community-focussed projects that support your area's priorities.

Read about how some community groups have used funding they were granted on our Love Where You Live webpage.

Unity and Inclusion Grants

Our Unity and Inclusion Grants are aimed at funding projects bringing communities together. The grants are designed to: 

  • fund projects and events that enhance unity and inclusion across the Barnsley borough
  • bring together Barnsley residents and those from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds  
  • improve access and opportunities by actively engaging with diverse groups and individuals  
  • foster greater representation and a stronger sense of belonging within the community  
  • work towards the Barnsley 2030 vision

Community groups can apply for a grant of £5000, or £10,000 across two years.

You can apply for the grant by filling in the Unity and Inclusion Grant Fund application form and emailing this to lovewhereyoulive@barnsley.gov.uk.

Better Barnsley Bond

The purpose of the Better Barnsley Bond is to support training, employment, and local community initiatives that align with the four Barnsley 2030 priorities:

Grants of up to £5000 are available. If you apply for more than £5000, you'll need to provide clear evidence that additional funding has been secured to cover the remaining project costs. A panel meets on a regular basis to assess applications.

You can apply for the funding by filling in the Better Barnsley Bond application form and emailing this to lovewhereyoulive@barnsley.gov.uk.

Ward alliance funding

Community groups can apply for ward alliance funding to help with projects that support their ward's priorities.

If you'd like to apply for funding email areateamsupport@barnsley.gov.uk for more details and an application form.

Grants from other organisations

There are over 8000 grant-giving bodies in the UK, and working out which funding to apply for can seem like a daunting process.

South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau can help you with the process of applying for funding, and Barnsley CVS also provide funding advice to voluntary and community groups.

Grant giving organisations

The following places provide support and grants to voluntary and community groups. Visit My Funding Central to search for other funders.