Everybody Foundation Funding Grants

Apply for a Foundation Grant

The Everybody Foundation exists to help people across Cheshire East stay active, healthy and connected.

Our Foundation Grants help individuals, clubs and organisations remove the financial barriers that stop people taking part in sport, physical activity and wellbeing.

We work alongside clubs, community organisations and charities to support those who may otherwise struggle to take part. From supporting a young person to stay involved, to helping a club through short‑term challenges, or funding a project with long‑term community impact – we’re here to help.

Our grants are designed to be practical, accessible and targeted – offering support where it’s needed most.

Our Funding Routes

We currently offer three different funding routes, each designed to support at a different level. This allows us to help everything from individual participation through to larger, community‑wide projects.

These small grants help young people stay involved in sport or physical activity when finances are a barrier.

Funding is typically used for:

  • Kit, clothing or essential equipment
  • Club subscriptions or membership fees
  • Travel to training, competitions or events

Applications are made by clubs or organisations, or by a parent/guardian on behalf of a young person, to ensure support reaches those who need it most.

Apply now

These grants support local clubs and community organisations facing short‑term challenges or pressures.

Funding can help with:

  • Hardship funds for young people
  • Essential equipment or replacement items
  • Costs that help keep activities running, safe and accessible

This funding is designed to respond quickly and practically to real‑world challenges.

Apply now

Our Impact Grant is our largest funding opportunity and supports not‑for‑profit organisations delivering projects that improve health, fitness or wellbeing in the community.

This grant is aimed at initiatives that:

  • Create longer‑term impact
  • Reduce inequality
  • Reach people who face barriers to being active

One organisation will be awarded an Impact Grant as part of this annual funding opportunity.

Read our Impact Grant Guidance downloadable document for more information.

Then submit the response document to: [email protected]

The deadline date for applications will be on the 1st September.

Download info booklet
Download grant response

What Our Grants Can Support

Depending on the funding route, grants may support:

  • Club memberships and subscriptions
  • Kit, clothing and essential equipment
  • Travel costs
  • Coaching or specialist training fees
  • Community activity programmes
  • Non‑sporting equipment that supports wellbeing
  • Small facility improvements

Our aim is simple: to make sure cost isn’t the thing that holds people back.

Who Can Apply?

We currently focus our support on applications made through local sporting organisations, helping young people stay active, confident and involved in their communities.

You can apply for a Foundation Grant if you are:

  • A local sporting organisation applying on behalf of a young person
  • A local sporting organisation applying to create or top up a hardship fund
  • A club or organisation based in Cheshire East, if applying for hardship funding
  • A club supporting a young person who lives in Cheshire East

Please note:

We are not currently accepting direct applications from parents or guardians. If you feel your child would benefit from a grant, please speak to their club or coach and ask them to apply on your behalf.

Grants must benefit:

  • Young people under the age of 18, or
  • Young people under the age of 25 if they have special educational needs or a disability (SEND)

Eligibility criteria may change over time, so please check back if you are currently ineligible.

For full details on eligibility, assessment and decision‑making, please refer to our Foundation Grant Making Policy.

View policy

Small Grants

Our application process is simple, supportive and transparent.

1.

Complete the online application form

Tell us about the support you need and how the funding will make a difference.

2.

Applications are reviewed by our Trustees

Trustees meet quarterly to review and score applications fairly.

3.

We’ll be in touch with our decision

Once Trustees have met, we aim to contact applicants within one week.

4.

Share your feedback

Successful applicants are asked to provide proof of purchase or a short update, helping us measure impact and share success stories (with permission).

Please make sure you apply via the correct funding route below.
Foundation grant (up to £250 / £500) Impact grant (up to £5000)

Foundation Stories

Our grants are made possible through community fundraising and donations and they help create real change.

Support from the Everybody Foundation has helped:

  • Grace Leigh return from injury to win European silver
  • Violet Li Kiefer progress as a rising tennis talent
  • Macclesfield Boys Boxing Club replace unsafe equipment
  • Park Lane Special School keep hydrotherapy sessions running

Each story shows how local fundraising makes a meaningful difference.

Grace Leigh – From Injury to European Medallist

After suffering a serious injury, Grace dedicated herself to months of rehabilitation and retraining. With support from the Everybody Foundation, she covered physiotherapy, specialised coaching and travel to international competitions.

In October, she competed in Riga, Latvia, at the WUKF European Karate Championships – and won a silver medal. Grace has since earned her black belt and now sets her sights on the 2026 World Championships in Romania.

Her journey shows what’s possible when financial barriers are removed and determination is supported.

Macclesfield Boys Boxing Club – Keeping the Club Fighting Fit

Macclesfield Boys Boxing Club provides young people with a disciplined, safe and energetic place to train. But after years of constant use, their punch bags became worn and unsafe.

The Everybody Foundation stepped in with a grant to purchase new equipment. The difference was immediate – fresh punch bags now hang proudly in the gym, and the old ones have been “retired” to the side of the ring.

Violet Li Kiefer – A Rising Tennis Talent with Big Ambitions

Eight‑year‑old Violet has had a phenomenal season. She won the U8 Girls Singles Club Championships, secured two Grade 5 U8 titles (without dropping a single set) and competed successfully against older players – finishing the year as the Cheshire County U7 Singles Leaderboard Winner.

The Everybody Foundation supported her with specialist training equipment to help her continue developing. Her coaches and family speak highly of her focus and dedication, and the future looks incredibly bright.

Frequently asked questions

How do you decide who receives a grant?

All applications are reviewed by the Everybody Foundation Trustees and awarded to the highest‑scoring applications until funds are committed.

Applications are reviewed quarterly. Decisions are shared electronically within six weeks of the closing date.

Yes – proof of purchase or short feedback helps us measure impact and share stories (with your permission).

Yes. If successful, you may apply once per financial year. If unsuccessful, you may reapply with additional information.

Through donations, fundraising events and generous support from the local community.

Contact Us

Have questions about eligibility, funding routes or whether your idea fits? We’re always happy to chat.

Email us
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