GM=EqAl Inclusion and Wellbeing Fund (Year 1): Community-led funding done differently

This report from the Greater Manchester Equality Alliance (GM=EqAl) highlights the impact of the Live Well Inclusion and Wellbeing Fund (year 1), a pilot programme designed to support communities that are often overlooked by traditional funding systems. Rather than focusing on geographic areas, the fund targeted communities connected by shared identities, experiences, languages, faiths and cultures.  

In December 2025, the programme awarded more than £57,600 to 30 projects across all ten Greater Manchester boroughs, receiving over 140 applications in total.

Projects included wellbeing programmes for women and girls, mental health support for Jewish communities, Arabic-speaking refugee gatherings, volunteer mental health training through a sports club, and community-led discussions tackling issues such as racism and safety. Many projects expanded beyond their original plans as they responded to emerging local needs.  

A flexible approach

A key finding was that organisations valued the fund's simple application process and flexible approach. Groups reported that trust-based funding enabled them to adapt projects, while practical support such as transport and childcare often made the difference between participation and exclusion. The report also found that supportive check-ins with grant recipients were more effective than traditional, often more formal processes.  

Unmet need

However, demand far exceeded available funding. More than five organisations applied for every grant awarded, demonstrating significant unmet need across Greater Manchester's communities. The report argues that many strong projects went unfunded.

Looking ahead, GM=EqAl calls for greater investment in communities that do not organise around postcode boundaries, increased support for co-production and community participation, and longer-term funding that allows relationships and impact to develop over time.

With Year 2 of the Live Well Community Fund confirmed and GM=EqAl appointed as the pan-Greater Manchester Equity Partner for the £16.5million Spaces of Hope and Connection programme, the report concludes that community-led, trust-based funding can play a vital role in reducing inequalities and strengthening local communities.