New funding set to empower communities in Leeds

Funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Leeds Community Power Fund aims to provide funding for local projects that will encourage people to become more engaged in the places they live, work and play.

Shifting power and resources to communities will enable them to have greater influence and control over the plans, decisions and public services that affect their lives. The community power approach is built on the belief that given the tools and the opportunity, small groups of individuals can change the things that they believe need changing in their community better than anyone else.

The total amount of funding available in Leeds is £200,000 with the programme accepting applications for between £10,000 and £20,000.  Successful applicants will be required to deliver their project between September 2025 and March 2026.

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, said: “We’re excited to launch the Leeds Community Power Fund that will build on the skills and assets of people and places, and give more power to the communities.

“We recognise that to tackle and reduce inequality, increase diversity, and improve the impact of our services and people’s experience of them, we need to embrace and reinforce community power. This is at the heart of our ambition to make Leeds the best city in the UK.”

Organisations interested in applying for funding or wanting more information can contact UKSPF@Leeds.gov.uk to receive an application pack. The closing date for applications is Monday 11 August 2025.

ENDS

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus.