Stagecoach Greater Manchester Fund

We are delighted to announce that the Stagecoach Greater Manchester Fund in partnership with Forever Manchester is now open for applications from Community Groups in Greater Manchester. For this round we will be accepting applications from groups based within one mile of specific Stagecoach Bus routes in Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside.

This will be a two – stage application process. Applicants must first complete a brief form to ensure eligibility for the fund based on the area of your activity. You can submit this online using the link below. Those who meet the eligibility requirements will then be sent the full application form within 2 working days of submission.

Please complete the initial form below as soon as possible and no later than 5pm on Thursday the 21st of November, to ensure that you have time to complete the full application by the final deadline at midday on Thursday the 28th of November 2024.

The Stagecoach Greater Manchester Fund is offering awards of up to £1,000.

We will close for applications at midday on Thursday 28th November 2024.

Fund criteria

The Stagecoach Greater Manchester Fund welcomes applications from grassroots community groups based in Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside.

Who can apply?

The Stagecoach Greater Manchester Fund aims to encourage and support grassroots community organisations. This means small, community-based and locally controlled groups that manage themselves, encourage people to get involved as volunteers and who just need a bit of financial help to be able to work with their community in the way they’d like.

Applicants must have an annual income of less than £150,000.

How much can you apply for?

The maximum award request that will be considered is £1,000.

What can you apply for?

Local groups understand how they can best work in their communities, so we don’t want to limit the type of request you can make. You just need to let us know what you want to do and what positive things your activity will provide for those in your community.

Is there anything you can’t apply for?

Unfortunately, there are a few things that can’t be funded, such as activities that have already taken place or been paid for, contributions to major appeals, activities promoting political or religious beliefs and activity which should be provided by statutory services.

If you’re not sure if we could consider your application for funding, please contact a member of the Forever Manchester Communities Team, email awards@forevermanchester.com and we’ll be happy to help.

Supporting Documents

For help and guidance on your groups supporting documents and to see what we require to be submitted alongside your application, please refer to our guidance which you can find here: For Supporting Information.

Please note that this information forms part of the Fund guidance and should be read in full before you start the application form.

Deadline for Applications

You can complete the initial Eligibility Check form up until Thursday the 21st November. We will close for full applications at midday on Thursday 28th November 2024. Any applications received after this time will not be considered.

OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

How long will a decision take?

For this round of the Stagecoach Greater Manchester Fund, we aim to let you know the outcome of your application in February 2025. Please do not plan to start any activity until after you hear if your application has been successful.

If you have any questions or have trouble completing your application, please contact us at awards@forevermanchester.com or phone 0161 214 0940.

Our Frequently asked questions (FAQs) provide further information about our funding programmes, who can apply and the application process.

About Stagecoach

Stagecoach Manchester is the leading bus operator in the region, connecting communities, supporting economic growth and working to protect the environment; proud to serve communities throughout Greater Manchester.

Their impact is about far more than transport – supporting the economy, helping to cut congestion on roads, protecting the environment and air quality, boosting safety on roads, and contributing to a healthier nation.

Stagecoach and Forever Manchester recognise that great things happen in and around Greater Manchester on a daily basis and we want to shout about it! The idea behind the Stagecoach Greater Manchester Fund is to provide a positive, friendly and accessible approach to gaining much needed financial support for your group.