The CDL Fund supports grassroots projects that improve opportunities, address inequalities and strengthen communities across Stockport. Applications are welcomed across five priority areas: 

Digital Inclusion: Improving access to digital technology, developing digital skills and supporting people who face barriers to accessing online services and opportunities. 

Arts and Culture: Supporting creative activities, cultural participation and opportunities that bring communities together and improve wellbeing. 

Employability/ education: Helping residents develop skills, confidence and experience to access employment, training or volunteering opportunities and supporting learning, skills development and educational opportunities for children, young people and adults. 

Supporting Disadvantaged Groups: Addressing inequalities and improving opportunities for people experiencing disadvantage, exclusion or barriers to accessing services. 

Where your project may meet multiple priorities, please pick the priority that is the strongest fit. Applicants should demonstrate a clear community need, explain who will benefit and outline the positive difference the funding will make. The fund particularly welcomes locally led initiatives reflecting the needs and experiences of Stockport communities. 

Applications will be welcomed from voluntary, community, faith-based and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations, including smaller grassroots and constituted community groups. To be eligible, applicants should:  

• Be a grassroots level VCFSE organisation based in Stockport with an income under £150,000   

• Be an organisation or group that has been delivering activity in Stockport for at least 12 months 

• Have an organisational bank account and appropriate financial controls    

• Spend the funding within three months of receiving the grant or where discussed this can be extended to up to a year after the funds are received 

• Demonstrate how their proposed activity will benefit Stockport residents and communities 

• Demonstrate a clear outline of how funding will benefit the funding priorities    

Grants of £500–£2,000 may support costs directly associated with delivering community activities, including: 

• Community events, workshops and activities 

• Materials, equipment and resources required for project delivery 

• Venue hire and associated delivery costs 

• Volunteer expenses and reasonable sessional staff or facilitator costs 

• Pilot projects or new activities that respond to identified community needs 

• Activities that strengthen community engagement, participation and connection 

Applications Open – 12th November 2026 

Meet the Funder – 6th January  2027 

Applications Close – 25th  January 2027 

Panel and outcomes: w/c 1st February 2027 

Due Diligence and SLAs – until end of February  2027 

Payments – March 2027 

Funding Period Ends – May 2027 

Reporting – 16th June 2027  

A Meet the Funder is taking place on Wednesday 6th January 2027.

Here you can ask any questons about the fund and the application process.