Community groups invited to apply for ward funding
City of York Council is encouraging community groups, charities and voluntary organisations across York to apply for ward funding to help deliver projects that benefit local communities.
The second round of ward funding applications for 2026/27 is now open. This funding round closes on 27 September 2026.
Ward funding supports a wide range of local initiatives that improve the lives of residents and help create stronger, healthier and more inclusive communities. Applications should demonstrate how projects contribute to one or more of the council’s four priorities for York:
- Equality of opportunity
- Affordability and the cost of living
- Climate change and the environment
- Health and wellbeing
In previous years, ward funding has supported a variety of community-led projects across the city, including:
- Door 84 Youth & Community Centre’s 10-week cooking programme teaching practical life skills
- Improvements to an outdoor shelter used by Fulford Scout Group for activities and skills learning
- Shared Story CIC’s inclusive book group helping to tackle social isolation
- Community music groups delivered by Musical Connections at Vernon House in Bishopthorpe
- Strensall Youth Club’s work providing a safe space for young people to play, develop and make new friends
- Tang Hall Breakfast Club’s popular Pay-As-You-Feel Friday breakfasts
- Improvements to the access path leading to the play area in Rufforth with Knapton
- Peace of Cake’s community social group supporting people experiencing social isolation
Councillor Anna Perrett Executive Member for Housing, Planning and Safer Communities, said:
“Ward funding is a fantastic way of supporting the local organisations, volunteers and community groups that make such a positive difference in neighbourhoods across York.
“We have seen funding help deliver projects that improve wellbeing, bring people together, support young people, reduce isolation and improve local facilities. I would encourage any eligible organisation with an idea that benefits their community to apply.”
Community groups should check which ward their project or neighbourhood is based in before applying. An online ward map is available at www.york.gov.uk/wards
Applications should clearly demonstrate how the project supports local ward priorities, which can be found on individual ward webpages.
Applications can be submitted online at www.york.gov.uk/WardGrantApplications Organisations seeking further information about the scheme or the application process can contact their Community Officer via www.york.gov.uk/wards