Grants of up to £2,000 now available for grassroots groups and local changemakers
Local Solutions is inviting individuals, grassroots groups and community organisations to come along to an informal drop-in session on Thursday 2nd October at Liverpool Watersports Centre to learn more about the Community Empowerment Fund – a small grants programme that’s helping local people across the Liverpool City Region turn ideas into action.
Grants of up to £2,000 are available for projects that empower people, build inclusion, and create healthier, safer, and more connected communities.
Whether you’re part of an established group or just getting started with a new idea, this is a chance to meet the team behind the fund, hear what support is available, and get help with applying.
Event Details:
Liverpool Watersports Centre, 110 Mariners Wharf, Liverpool, L3 4DG
Thursday 2nd October 2025
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Spaces are limited, so please register in advance to secure your place.
The fund is aimed at individuals and groups with an annual income of under £20,000, and is designed to remove barriers that often stop smaller community-led ideas from getting off the ground.
Hazel Brown, Head of Communities at Local Solutions, said:
“The Community Empowerment Fund is about backing the brilliant ideas that already exist in our communities. We know that local people are best placed to understand the challenges and opportunities in their area, and sometimes a small amount of funding can make a huge difference. This fund is designed to remove barriers and give grassroots projects the support they need to thrive – whether that’s a new group just starting out or an established initiative looking to grow. We’d love to see as many people as possible come along on 2nd October to find out how the fund could help bring their ideas to life.”
Projects supported so far include community cafés, peer support groups, youth programmes, creative workshops, family wellbeing sessions, gardening initiatives, and more – each led by local people and tailored to their area’s needs.
About the Fund
- Grants of up to £2,000 are available
- Open to individuals, informal groups and small organisations in the Liverpool City Region
- Focus on projects that empower people, increase inclusion, and improve communities
- Applications are welcomed online, by phone, on paper or in person
- Local Solutions provides support at every stage – from developing your idea to delivery
- Applications are reviewed by a panel, with most decisions made within two weeks of a panel meeting
The fund is particularly keen to hear from people who haven’t applied for funding before or who are working in areas that are often underrepresented.
“We don’t expect polished applications or perfect plans,” added Hazel. “We’re here to support people with good ideas and a passion for their community.”
To register your interest in attending the drop-in, please complete this short form:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/m9m2VNzbvR
To learn more about the fund or to apply, visit: www.localsolutions.org.uk/community-empowerment-fund