Members of the Funding Opportunities Group met on 14 July to explore a wide range of funding and partnership opportunities that could benefit communities across Manchester.
A key focus of the meeting was digital inclusion, with Manchester City Council’s Sam Milsom providing an overview of current initiatives and new funding streams aimed at tackling digital exclusion.
Members discussed opportunities to work together on recycling and refurbishing digital devices, supporting residents with access to technology, and developing collaborative funding bids, particularly in North Manchester.
The group also reviewed emerging funding opportunities, including the forthcoming Dormant Assets programme, the Community Based Debt Advice Grant Scheme, and Manchester City Council’s planned Crisis and Resilience Fund. Discussions highlighted the potential for housing providers to work in partnership to support financial inclusion, debt prevention and resilience-building activities.
Members showed particular interest in the £500 million Better Futures Fund, which will support children and families through Social Outcomes Partnerships. The group agreed to explore how housing providers could collaborate around key challenges such as generational worklessness, poverty and youth disengagement.
Updates were also shared on plans for a Big Give campaign in 2027, which would aim to secure £200,000 for Manchester’s voluntary and community sector, alongside information on a range of other national and local funding opportunities.
The meeting concluded with an update on MHPP’s recent Strategy Day and the continued development of the partnership’s new website and branding. Members were encouraged to share examples of successful projects, funding bids and collaborative achievements to help showcase the positive impact of partnership working across the city.
