Salford community groups have been urged to apply for a share of £290,000 in grant funding that has been released to mark the city’s centenary.
The money will be given to voluntary, community and social enterprise groups to put towards hosting events that explore Salford’s past, celebrate the present and imagine the future.
Salford Community and Voluntary Services (Salford CVS) are managing the £290,000, which will be allocated to groups with “a strong track record of delivery in the city.”
Funding applications can be made via the Salford 100 website, with decisions made within 6-8 weeks of the application deadline.
Groups can apply for small grants of up to £1,000, for which no turnover threshold or membership of Salford CVS is required.
Decision panels choosing which bids receive a share of the budget will take place in spring, summer and autumn.
Organisations can also apply for large grants of up to £10,000, provided they have a minimum turnover of £10,000 in the last financial year. The deadline to apply for this is 12pm on Friday 13 February.
If organisations are successful in their application, grant funding can be put towards: volunteer expenses, venue hire, materials, refreshments, promotion and publicity, public liability insurance, staffing and freelancer costs, reasonable equipment hire and accessibility costs.
Salford Council has encouraged groups to pitch ideas for projects which either explore the City’s past, celebrate the present or imagine Salford’s future.
In December, a new centenary flag featuring the Salford 100 branding was raised by Salford’s City Mayor, who reflected that the centenary celebrations would promote the “Spirit of Salford.”
Mayor Paul Dennett said: “The centenary marks a truly special moment in our city’s history and something to be proud of and celebrate.
“Through a city-wide programme of cultural, civic and community events, we encourage voluntary, community and social enterprises to get involved by using this funding opportunity to make it happen.
“Working with city partners, our goal is to make 2026 a year to remember for residents and visitors, reflecting the people and places that make Salford unique. Together, we will honour our past, celebrate our present, and shape an innovative, inclusive and promising future.”
Chief Executive at Salford CVS, Alison Page, said: “Salford CVS is delighted to be partnering with Salford City Council to launch the Salford Centenary Fund, a one-of-a-kind funding opportunity to support community groups, charities and other organisations to put on a diverse range of events and activities to celebrate Salford’s 100 years.
“We’re inviting applications for events and activities that will explore Salford’s past, celebrate the present, and imagine the future – we can’t wait to hear your exciting and inspiring ideas!”
Salford Council have asked that people with questions about completing the application form, or who wish to discuss a project proposal with a member of the grants team, contact centenary@salfordcvs.co.uk or call 0161 787 7795.
More information is available here.
