Onward invites community initiatives to apply for Winter resilience grants
Leading North West housing association, Onward Homes, is calling on organisations and community groups across the North West to apply for its next round of funding grants, aimed at strengthening Winter resilience across its communities.
Since its launch in 2020, the Onward Community Fund has invested roughly £500,000 into around 300 community projects, empowering individuals and neighbourhoods to flourish. The Fund backs initiatives that enhance wellbeing, deliver vital digital skills, and create employment opportunities, supporting people to be their best in a home they love and a place they are proud of.
With the upcoming round of funding, Onward is asking local organisations and groups to submit proposals for projects that will keep communities warm, connected, and supported during the colder months. Whether tackling food poverty, reducing social isolation, or boosting wellbeing, Onward is keen to hear new ideas that will make a tangible difference.
Previous Winter resilience projects supported by the Fund include:
- Army of Kindness’ provision of free hot meals in Rochdale, which delivered over 500 meals each week between October 2024 and March 2025.
Mohammed Sheraz, Senior Coordinator at Army of Kindness, said: “This funding enabled us to open our kitchen for service users and provide hot meals for them, especially during the Winter period as the weather turned cold and windy. This has been a lifeline to many individuals and families.”
- The expansion of Maundy Relief’s food growing project in Accrington, which enabled the charity to increase food production across its allotments and deliver more produce to nine food banks and pantries across the borough.
Beccy Murrel, Operations Manager at Maundy Relief, said: “We were delighted to receive a grant from the Fund, which helped us to reduce food insecurity in Hyndburn. It allowed us to increase the production and accessibility of fruit and vegetables, enabling us to distribute more produce to those in need – directly to residents, and through community meals and emergency food parcels.”
- Little Centre Beechwood’s Healing Communities project, which tackled isolation and poor mental health by connecting local people of all ages through wellbeing activities and hot meals.
Ellen Woods, Manager at Little Centre Beechwood, said: “This funding has enabled the local community to take advantage of different activities to create their own personal pathway to improved wellness. It’s been fantastic to see how this support has enhanced our community, and brought positive changes to individuals’ wellbeing, homes, relationships, and overall outlook on life.”
Joanne Danaher, Director of Housing and Home Ownership at Onward, said:
“Every grant we award is more than just funding; it’s a catalyst for positive change in the communities we serve. By supporting these projects, we’re helping local people transform challenges into opportunities, building lasting resilience and a sense of pride that echoes across our neighbourhoods. We look forward to working together with our communities on their projects through the Fund this Winter and beyond.”
Applications for the fund open on the 1st September and close on the 15th October, with grants of up to £2,500 available. For further details or to submit your application, please visit Onward’s website (onward.co.uk/community-fund), or get in touch by emailing socialinvestment@onward.co.uk or calling 0300 555 0600.