£2 million grants programme now open to empower Leeds community organisations

Leeds Community Foundation has launched the Leeds Fund Strategic Grants 2025, a major new funding programme made possible thanks to generous support from Jimbo’s Fund (established in memory of the late Jimi Hesleden), the Lord Mayor’s charity campaign 24-25, and a variety of corporate and individual donors. Grant awards of £50,000 can be spent flexibly over a multi-year period, to help organisations deliver vital services today while building long-term sustainability for tomorrow. 

This programme is rooted in a clear purpose: to back the people and organisations who are closest to the challenges facing our communities — and who are best placed to lead change. It has been designed using community consultation and feedback. 

“We know that many community organisations are facing unprecedented challenges — from rising demand to funding shortfalls,” said Steph Taylor, CEO at Leeds Community Foundation. “This fund is about providing the breathing space, resources, and support to both meet urgent needs and build resilient organisations for the long-term.” 

 

Driving Impact, Equity and Innovation 

The Leeds Fund Strategic Grants are designed to drive impact across the city at a time when many organisations are struggling to sustain their core offer and plan for the future. The fund provides flexible funding and support to help organisations respond to immediate community needs while investing in long-term strategy and sustainability. 

With a strong equity focus, the programme is particularly encouraging applications from or benefiting: 

• • LGBTQIA+ communities 

• • Racially minoritised people 

• • d/Deaf or disabled people 

It also prioritises projects addressing some key priorities: 

• • Mental health 

• • Youth empowerment 

• • Positive outcomes for children and young people living in the five most deprived areas of Leeds 

• • Nature and the environment 

“Growing the volume and value of flexible grants through the Leeds Fund is essential,” added Steph. “It offers a lifeline for the sector and helps us work towards a fairer, more inclusive Leeds where communities can spend money on what they know makes a difference.”

 

Leveraging Investment and Leading Change 

The Strategic grants programme is a key part of Leeds Community Foundation’s strategy to leverage further investment into the Leeds Fund and the city, and it sits alongside small and microgrants for new and emerging organisations, collective impact grants for collaborative and strategic initiatives, and its usual wide range of themed funds. 

By working in this way, the Foundation aims to deepen relationships, strengthen its role as a system and thought leader, and help shape a more collaborative and equitable funding landscape in Leeds. 

 

What’s Included? 

• • £50,000 grants (multi-year funding to be spent over at least 2 years) 

• • Optional top-ups: 

• • • £2,000 for climate action 

• • • £2,000 for external training and development  

• • Non-financial support: training, peer learning, and resource sharing 

 

Key Dates 

• • Applications close: 30 June 2025 at 12 noon 

• • Decisions announced: October 2025 

 

Apply Now 

Organisations interested in applying can find full eligibility criteria and application guidance at  leedscf.org.uk/the-leeds-fund-strategic-grants. 

For enquiries about the grants, please contact:
grants@leedscf.org.uk
0113 242 2426 

For media enquiries, please contact:
info@leedscf.org.uk 
0113 242 2426