Gather, Eat and Move – funding now available for local groups

Got a great idea to bring people together through food and movement? 

We’re teaming up with Age Friendly Manchester to offer funding for local groups to help people over 50 to Gather, Eat and Move. If your group supports older people – especially those who might feel a bit isolated – this is your chance to get involved. 

You can apply for funding between £1,000 and £4,000 to run community projects that bring people together to cook, eat, chat and take part in exercise.  

What kinds of projects are we looking for? 

We’re interested in projects that will: 

  • Bring people together in social spaces to share food or take part in food-based activities. 
  • Help people connect, tackle loneliness and build lasting friendships. 
  • Support healthier ageing through better food and nutrition. 
  • Get people moving – especially with strength and balance sessions. 
  • Help people find support and local services that keep them well in their community. 

Who can apply? 

To apply, you need to be: 

  • A not-for-profit group or organisation, or linked to one that can hold the funding for you 
  • Able to show you have a bank account with two signatories, public liability insurance, and safeguarding policies (we can support you with this if needed!) 
  • Willing to keep basic records and provide a short report after the project finishes 

Not a formal group yet? You can still apply, but you’ll need to team up with a not-for-profit host organisation that knows your group and can manage the funding on your behalf. (This could be a local charity, community group or housing association.) 

How to apply: 

  1. Read these guidelines. 
  2. Fill in a short proposal form to tell us about your idea and send this to communitydevelopment@wchg.org.uk.  
  3. If you’re eligible, you’ll be invited to a friendly chat with a small local panel to tell us more about your project. 
  4. If you're successful, you might be asked for some documents before your grant is paid – but don’t worry, we’ll guide you through this. 
  5. If approved, your grant will be paid before your activity starts. 

Important dates: 

  • Deadline to apply: Friday 20th June 2025, 5pm 
  • Project chats with the panel: Tuesday 8th July 2025 
  • All projects must be completed by: Tuesday 31st March 2026 

Need help with your application? 

We’re running two friendly workshops and drop-ins where you can find out more about the funding, get help with your application, and ask any questions. 

Shannon Fitzgerald, our Lead Community Development Coordinator, will be there to guide you through the process, and Jason Bergen from Age Friendly Manchester will be on hand to answer any questions about the fund. 

  • Workshop: Tuesday 27th May, 1–3pm, Wythenshawe House, 8 Poundswick Lane, Wythenshawe, M22 9TA. Please email communitydevelopment@wchg.org.uk to book your place. 
  • Drop-in: Thursday 5th June, 12–2pm, Lawton Moor Methodist Church, Lawton Moor Rd, Button Ln, Wythenshawe, M23 0ND. This doesn’t require a booking, so just turn up! 

After your project, you’ll need to: 

  • Share some basic data (like how many people came along and how often). 
  • Write a short case study telling us what went well. 
  • Give us a financial summary of how the money was used. 

If you’ve got questions, get in touch with Shannon on 07580 869116 or email communitydevelopment@wchg.org.uk – we’re happy to help. 

Gather, Eat and Move – funding now available for local groups