Community Partnership ABCD Micro Grant Awards
Backing local, asset‑based projects that improve population health and wellbeing across Bradford & Craven.
Section 1 The Community Partnerships running ABCD awards
Section 1 About the Grants
We fund projects that take an asset-based approach – this means building on the strengths, skills, connections, and resources that already exist within communities, rather than focusing only on what is missing. We want to support activity that values local knowledge and lived experience, and that empowers people to be part of the solution.
Funded activities should also help to ease pressure on statutory health services. This might include:
- Improving health and wellbeing through community-led activity.
- Offering early or preventative support that stops issues from escalating.
- Creating positive alternatives to more formal or clinical services.
To make sure funding is shared fairly and reaches a wide range of groups, we normally award just one grant per organisation per financial year. This helps ensure opportunities are spread across different organisations, communities, and ideas.
Compliance (why it matters)
In order to apply for ABCD funding we are requiring all applicants to complete Compliance checks.
Incorporation
Having a legal form (e.g. CIO, CIC, Company limited by guarantee) gives your organisation its own legal identity and helps protect personal assets of trustees/members.
Insurance
Public Liability – covers injury or damage to the public/property during your activities.
Professional Liability – covers harm or loss linked to advice or professional services you provide.
Employer’s Liability – legally required if you employ staff (minimum £5m cover; most policies provide £10m). Not required for volunteers‑only groups, but good practice to ensure volunteers are covered via PLI or extended ELI.
DBS clearance
We require all funded projects to have the appropriate level of DBS checks in place for their staff and volunteers. This is to help ensure the safety and protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults who may take part in funded activities.
Safeguarding accreditation
We require all funded projects to have appropriate safeguarding policies and accreditation in place. This ensures that organisations are equipped to recognise, respond to, and report concerns about the safety of children, young people, or vulnerable adults. It also demonstrates a clear commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and trustworthy environment, giving confidence to participants, communities, and partners.
These checks aren’t meant as barriers; they are to build a safer, stronger foundation and trust with partners like our NHS partners. Putting these checks in place will help protect our provider partners (you), and the people you are supporting.
Section 2 Awards and Health Priorities
All Community Partnerships require that:
- All funded activities must relate to the stipulated health priorities (see individual CPs below).
- Activties should support a particular cohort with higher health needsthan the general population in the CP area AND/ OR provide early intervention or preventative support relating to known risk factors for the local population to stop issues escalating in the short to medium term.
- All funded activities should be suitable for referral by social prescribers or other local NHS services.
Together 4 Health
Community Partnership
are inviting applications that aim to support people around the following health priorities:
Health Priority 1. Chronic Disease Prevention
Health Priority 2. Improving Mental Health:
Health Priority 3. Reducing Obesity
Health Priority 4. Reducing infant mortality
Health Priority 5. Health education, awareness and self-advocacy.
Health Priority 6. Neuro diversity
Application amount:
The Community Partnership would welcome grant applications of between £2000 and £2500.
Total funding available: £17,500.00
Closing date for applications:
Wed 5th November 2025. 5pm
Delivery period: 6 weeks to 12 months
What area does Together 4 Health CP cover?
Manningham (joint); Toller (joint); Little Horton (joint)
CP5
Community Partnership
are inviting applications that aim to support people around the following health priorities:
Health Priority 1. Access to Health Care, Case Finding & Routine Screening Take Up.
Health Priority 2. Mental Health.
Health Priority 3. Childhood Obesity
Application amount:
The Community Partnership would welcome grant applications of between£2000 and £3000.
Total funding available: £17,500.00
Closing date for applications:
Wed 5th November 2025. 5pm
Delivery period: 6 weeks to 12 months
What area does CP5 cover? Bradford Moor; Bowling & Barkerend
Horton & City Health Collaboration Community Partnership
are inviting applications that aim to support people around the following health priorities:
Health Priority 1. Health promotion activities for young people
Health Priority 2. Prevention of Chronic Disease
Health Priority 3. Support for mental health
Application amount:
The Community Partnership would welcome grant applications of between £500 and £2000
Total funding available: £20,000.00
Closing date for applications:
Wed 5th November 2025. 5pm
Delivery period: 6 weeks to 12 months
What area does Horton & City Health Collaborative CP cover? City; Little Horton (joint); Manningham (joint)
Keighley and Worth Valley Community Partnership
are inviting applications that aim to support people around the following health priorities:
Health Priority 1. Prevent isolation and loneliness & promoting healthy relationships.
Health Priority 2. Supporting access to services both physically and digitally.
Health Priority 3. Keighley on the Move
Health Priority 4 .Improve opportunities and support to children from birth to adulthood
Application amount:
The Community Partnership would welcome grant applications of between £500 and £5000.
Total funding available: £19,000.00
Closing date for applications:
Wed 5th November 2025. 5pm
Delivery period: 6 weeks to 12 months
What area does Keighley & Worth Valley CP cover? Keighley Central; Keighley East; Keighley West; Worth Valley
Wharfedale and Silsden Community Partnership
are inviting applications that aim to support people around the following health priorities:
Health Priority 1. Mental health
Health Priority 2. Maternity support
Health Priority 3. Children & young people
Health Priority 4. Hypertension
Health Priority 5. Health checks
Projects are asked to focus on supporting economically deprived individuals, or individuals deprived of services (for example due to a lack of local services or not able to travel to access services)
Application amount:
The Community Partnership would welcome grant applications of between £500 and £4000.
Total funding available: £17,500.00
Closing date for applications:
Wed 5th November 2025. 5pm
Delivery period: 6 weeks to 12 months
What area does Wharfedale & Silsden CP cover? Ilkley; Wharfedale & Silsden; Craven Wards
Section 3 Basic Criteria (at a glance)
Activity that strengthens health, wellbeing, and community capacity
We are looking for projects that improve physical and mental health, promote social connections, and build on community strengths. The aim is to create sustainable activity that supports people earlier, reduces isolation, and makes communities more resilient.
Projects rooted in the Community Partnership area
Applications must come from groups or individuals with a clear base or proven track record in the relevant area. This ensures funding supports local people and communities directly.
Priority driven
Each Community Partnership has agreed health and wellbeing priorities. Funded activity must show how it will contribute to at least one of these priorities, helping to tackle local challenges and support better outcomes for residents.
Data sharing
Some data will be shared
As part of the funding process, we may need to share certain information you provide (such as project details, monitoring information, and evaluation findings). This is always handled in line with data protection rules and UK GDPR. Information is only shared where necessary. For example, we may share data with:
- The Community Partnership Leadership Team – to review applications and monitor progress.
- NHS and local authority partners – to show how projects are contributing to local health and wellbeing priorities.
Section 3 Key requirements
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Before any grant money can be paid, successful applicants will be asked to sign a short Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This document is not complicated or legalistic – it simply sets out the key expectations and responsibilities of both the funder and the funded group. Signing it helps make sure everyone is clear, accountable, and protected. Once the MoU is returned, funds can be released promptly so that activity can begin.
Reporting
We ask all funded groups to complete two short reports – one at the mid-point and one at the end of the project. Simple templates are provided, focusing on outcomes, learning, and stories. These reports help us see the difference your project makes and inform future funding decisions.
Funder acknowledgement
When sharing news about your project – through social media, posters, websites or events – please include an acknowledgement of the Community Partnership’s support. This raises awareness of local investment and celebrates the value of community-led health and wellbeing. We’ll provide the correct wording and logos to make this simple.
Need help?
If you have any problems completing the form, please contact the Grants Manager as soon as possible. We’re here to help.
david@thevcsalliance.org.uk
07865 599209
