Welcome to Yorkshire
News • September 2nd, 2026
|Community groups, charities, and voluntary organisations throughout York have a fantastic opportunity to secure funding that can help bring their ideas to life. The City of York Council has opened the second round of ward funding applications for the year 2026/27, encouraging local initiatives that aim to enhance the lives of residents. This funding round will be accepting applications until 27 September 2026.
What Is Ward Funding?
Ward funding is a financial support scheme designed to assist community-led projects that aim to create stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities. The funding can be used for a variety of initiatives, from youth programmes to environmental projects, as long as they align with the council's four main priorities:
Equality of opportunity
Affordability and the cost of living
Climate change and the environment
Health and wellbeing
Past Projects Funded
In previous years, ward funding has supported an impressive range of projects across the city. Some notable examples include:
The Door 84 Youth & Community Centre's 10-week cooking programme, which teaches essential life skills.
Improvements to an outdoor shelter for the Fulford Scout Group, enhancing their skills learning activities.
The Shared Story CIC's inclusive book group aimed at reducing social isolation among participants.
Community music sessions provided by Musical Connections at Vernon House in Bishopthorpe.
The Strensall Youth Club, which offers a safe space for young people to play and make friends.
The Tang Hall Breakfast Club's Pay-As-You-Feel Friday breakfasts, which have become a community favourite.
Upgrades to the access path leading to a play area in Rufforth with Knapton.
The Peace of Cake community social group that supports individuals experiencing social isolation.
How to Apply
Organisations interested in applying for ward funding should first identify which ward their project falls under. An online ward map is available at www.york.gov.uk/wards. Each application must clearly show how the proposed project aligns with local ward priorities, which can be found on the specific ward webpages.
Applications can be submitted online through www.york.gov.uk/WardGrantApplications. For any questions or additional information, groups can contact their Community Officer via the same ward webpage.
Community Impact
Councillor Anna Perrett, the Executive Member for Housing, Planning and Safer Communities, expressed her enthusiasm for the ward funding initiative:
“Ward funding is a fantastic way of supporting the local organisations, volunteers, and community groups that make such a positive difference in neighbourhoods across York.”
She emphasised that the funding has played a crucial role in delivering projects that improve community wellbeing, foster connections, support young people, and enhance local facilities. Councillor Perrett encourages any eligible organisation with a beneficial idea to apply.
