We're dedicated to empowering local groups to take action and drive projects that champion fairness and equality, celebrate diversity, and create places where everyone feels they truly belong.
Our ConnectED Communities Fund provides grants between £300 and £2,000 to create meaningful action and positive impact for people from all walks of life, making inclusion a lived reality for all. The fund is now open for applications until Monday 23 February 2026!
We will prioritise groups that operate within communities where we have homes and whose work will directly benefit SNG customers. We are specifically interested in projects and initiatives designed to support activities which challenge inequality, advance equality and celebrate diversity.
We will prioritise applications from smaller grassroot groups (income under £250,000), groups led by or incorporating lived experience or groups that specialise in delivering services for people from marginalised groups such as:
- ethnic minorities
- LGBTQ+
- religious groups
- disability groups
- women’s or men’s groups
Grants will assist in:
- enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across SNG areas
- promoting EDI initiatives
- supporting communities and residents with protected characteristics
- advancing community cohesion and diversity
- tackling inequalities
In 2025/26 we will be focusing our funding on the following priorities:
Cohesive communities
- Activities which celebrate, encourage or raise awareness of diverse cultures/identities by bringing people together with an aim to build strong and cohesive communities and/or reduce prejudice or hate crimes and incidents.
- Bringing communities together for improved community cohesion and improving connections across generations.
- Creating safe spaces individuals feel comfortable and supported, free from discrimination, harassment, or judgment.
Social inclusion
- Investing in the development of more inclusive and age friendly communities.
- Encouraging and supporting young people from underrepresented groups to achieve their aspirations and transition from where they are to where they want to be.
- Providing mental health support or promoting mental and emotional health, including holistic activities like creative arts to build confidence and reduce stigma around mental health challenges.
- Activities which provide support for protected characteristic, minority, disadvantaged groups by reducing isolation, building resilience and independence, helping people stay safe, or helping people stay healthy
Raising awareness/education
- Workshops/networking events that amplify those from underrepresented backgrounds
- Support for events or speakers that raise awareness and deepen understanding of the multiple dimensions of EDI
- Events celebrating heritage through storytelling, food and intergenerational activities
Groups must be delivering services within an SNG community and be able to evidence how funding will benefit and engage SNG customers/the wider community. Groups will be eligible to receive one ConnectED Communities grant per financial year. For full eligibility criteria, please see our FAQs below.
Apply now before 23 February!
To apply, register your project on the ActionFunder website. ActionFunder is a digital community engagement platform that connects funding bodies with non-profits with the goal of supporting thriving local communities. Applications close on Monday 23 February 2026.
Apply for the ConnectED Communities Fund (opens in a new window)Communications and branding
By uploading your project to ActionFunder, you consent to ActionFunder’s terms and conditions which allows for the material you upload to be used for marketing and promotional purposes by both SNG and ActionFunder. Please read ActionFunder’s terms of use 
for more information.
Successful applicants must acknowledge financial support of SNG in its documentation and publicity material by following our communications protocol and brand guidelines. If you are successful in securing funding, our Grants Team will be in touch to share the guidelines.