Grants to enable community spaces to 'thrive'

The Manx Lottery Trust has relaunched its thematic fund to focus on welcoming spaces

Funding to encourage the creation of "spaces to thrive" within communities has been made available to charities and non-profit organisations.

The Manx Lottery Trust is inviting groups to apply for grants of between £2,501 and £25,000 from its relaunched Thematic Fund.

The theme for the awards aims to aid projects that “bring people together and improve key community spaces”.

Applications can be to support new or existing projects that will be completed in a period of 12 months.

The previous incarnation of the scheme had allowed for grants of up to £50,000, with the £150,000 fund awarded in phases over a three-year period.

But revisions to the grants have seen them capped at a maximum of £25,000 in the latest application round, which will see £50,000 made available for projects over one year.

The Trust said that would increase the number of projects which the thematic fund can support, in order to “reach a wider network of organisations dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of our communities”.

'Supported and empowered'

In order to be eligible for a grant the projects should meet three key aims:

• Creating accessible and welcoming spaces for people to meet

• Encouraging active community involvement to make a difference in areas important to them

• Adopting a preventative approach to improve health and wellbeing within the community

The Trust said that examples of potentially eligible projects included community hub renovation, inclusive activities and mentorship for young people, mental health and wellbeing initiatives, and improving insulation and energy efficiency for community buildings the events are held in.

Trust chairman Stephen Turner said the theme reflected a "commitment to helping communities create spaces where people feel connected, supported, and empowered".

“This funding offers groups the chance to make transformative improvements, whether by revitalising community spaces or fostering inclusive activities that make a real difference,” he added.

The deadline for applications is 28 February 2025.