Community grants

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on levels of physical activity but has been most acute across disadvantaged groups and areas of higher deprivation.

While there are signs of recovery for activity levels as restrictions have eased, not all groups or demographics are affected or recovering at the same rate. 

Our Leisure and Public Health teams in collaboration with Be Active Beds have developed a new grant scheme designed to help residents become more physically active.

Small grants of up to £5,000 are available to apply for by voluntary and community groups including town/parish councils. The new fund is designed to help communities that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, lockdown and restrictions on social interaction will benefit from the fund. Applicants will need to be able to explain how their idea or project will make a difference and deliver increased physical activity to one or more priority sections of the Central Bedfordshire population below:

• women
• young people aged 16-34
• over 75s
• disabled people and people with long-term health conditions
• culturally diverse communities
• those living in areas of higher deprivation

Bidding rounds

The grant fund will operate in bidding rounds.

The current bidding round is from Monday 16 January 2023 until Sunday 19 March 2023.

Apply now

Further bidding rounds will follow and will be publicised on our website, email bulletins and via our partner organisations.

Guidance

This is the Active Communities Grant Scheme guidance. You must read it before completing the application form.

Bidding round 1 - approved projects