Aims/Priorities:
Rochdale Borough Council created the ‘Innovation Fund’ (‘the Fund’) as part of the Local Welfare Provision programme, which has been in place since the Welfare Reform Act 2012. The Fund provides financial assistance to small community projects each year.
The Fund, subject to funding approval, will focus on achieving:
- Support to vulnerable residents impacted by welfare reform avoiding crisis;
- Offering support to smaller community groups and start up organisations;
- Engagement and promotion of personal & financial independence;
- Response for people who are on low incomes to help them avoid crisis point.
Who can apply:
- The fund is only open to registered charities, social enterprises, not for profit, community interest companies, community benefit societies, co-operative societies.
The fund is aimed at organisations that are based in the Rochdale Borough and used to help people who live in the borough. There must be a clear link to how the scheme directly benefits residents housing options/ circumstances. You can apply for the fund by completing the application and emailing it to Strategic Housing FAO Emma Shanks. The application will be open for 3 weeks.
Grant amount: Up to £25,000.
Deadline: Monday 2 February, 2026, midday.
Application process: To apply, please complete an application form and email completed form to: StrategicHousing@Rochdale.Gov.UK FOA Emma Shanks
Innovation Fund Guidance Notes.docx (25.61 KB)
Innovation Fund App form.docx (40.02 KB)