Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council

Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council, the local authority for the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford in Greater Manchester, England, established in 1974, delivers cohesive public services to urban and rural communities while addressing inequality through its Sustainable Community Strategy and Local Plan. Its mission emphasizes improving prosperity, reducing disadvantage, and fostering inclusivity, sustainability, and community engagement, with an evolving focus on climate action, social value, and support for vulnerable residents. As a generalist funder, it uniquely blends direct service provision with strategic grants to voluntary, community, faith, social enterprise (VCFSE) groups, prioritizing grassroots action, local knowledge, and partnerships to drive equity, resilience, and long-term change via councillor-led panels informed by public consultation.

It funds broad thematic priorities including reducing inequalities, enhancing mental/physical health and wellbeing, regenerating deprived areas, improving housing and green spaces, revitalizing town centres, supporting children, youth, families, carers, older people, and those in poverty or isolation, alongside skills/employability training and social cohesion. Supported activities span community events, neighbourhood projects, wellness initiatives, environmental improvements, youth engagement, crisis relief (e.g., Trafford Crisis Fund), and capacity-building, with examples like grants to Trafford Carers Centre.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, constituted community groups, or social enterprises based in Trafford, delivering direct benefits to local residents; grassroots and small-medium organizations are preferred, requiring two unrelated committee members and a non-personal bank account—no strict income limits, but one application per round. Typical grants range £500–£10,000 (e.g., £500–£2,000 for events/projects, up to £10,000 for safety/resilience). Unsolicited applications via online portal or email form, with quarterly rounds (next deadline 31 October 2025), decisions in three weeks by neighbourhood panels. Exclusions apply to private/profit-making entities, statutory bodies, and non-Trafford activities; no religious restrictions.