Community groups, charities, voluntary organisations, social enterprises and faith-based organisations across Leicester and Leicestershire are invited to apply for funding to deliver inclusive physical activity opportunities that encourage people to get moving.
The Centre for Ethnic Health Research and the Leicester Lifestyle and Health Research Group are offering small grants of up to £1,000 to support groups in running events and activities that promote physical activity and wellbeing.
The Physical Activity Community Grants programme provides small grants to help groups deliver safe, accessible and culturally inclusive opportunities for people to get active, especially for those who may face barriers to participation.
While projects should focus on physical activity, they can also incorporate other aspects of health and lifestyle alongside active initiatives.
These grants can support a wide variety of projects, from taster sessions that let people try new activities to group walks and workshops highlighting the benefits of movement and active living.
This funding was designed to tackle inequalities in access to physical activity. Many communities face social, cultural, financial or confidence-related barriers to being active. By backing locally led projects, the grants empower communities to create activities that are relevant, welcoming and achievable.
Physical activity plays a vital role in physical and mental health, yet opportunities to be active are not equally accessible.
Supporting grassroots, community-led approaches help build trust, confidence and long-term engagement, while addressing health inequalities and promoting fairness and inclusion in active living.
Martha Skinner, Community Engagement Officer for the Centre for Ethnic Health Research and the Leicester Lifestyle and Health Research Group, said: “We want to support communities to lead the way in creating physical activity opportunities that feel safe, enjoyable and relevant to them.
“These small grants are about building confidence, reducing barriers and making being active more inclusive for everyone.”
The deadline to submit applications is Friday, February 27, 2026. Successful projects are expected to start in April 2026 and be completed by Monday, August 31, 2026.
For more information about the Physical Activity Community Grants, click here.
To apply, please download the application form here and submit the completed form via email to Martha Skinner at martha.skinner@leicester.ac.uk and Kruti Patel at kap33@leicester.ac.uk.