Councillor Tom Renhard, Leader of Bristol Labour, is urging local community organisations to bid for a share of up to £2.5 million through the Common Ground Award, as the capital fund opens its second wave of applications.
First launched in 2025, the scheme backs voluntary, community and social enterprise groups that help people from different backgrounds meet, mix and build trust — funding facilities, spaces and equipment rather than day-to-day running costs.
Individual applicants can bid for between £20,000 and £50,000, with exceptional cases considered up to £100,000 where need and impact are clear. Consortiums working together can apply for between £100,000 and £250,000. Applications opened on 14 September 2026 and close on 12 October 2026, with successful groups expected to be notified in December and payments likely from January 2027.
Eligible organisations must be based and operating in England with charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes. The fund is capital-only: renovating a community hub, buying equipment so more people can join local activities, or creating spaces where neighbours can bridge divides.
Tom Renhard: ‘There’s £2.5m up for grabs’
Councillor Renhard said Bristol’s community groups already make a huge difference — and the award is a chance to do more.
"We have some fantastic community groups in Bristol making a huge difference - and this fund is an opportunity to do even more. Local groups can apply for funding to buy new equipment, create new community spaces or get an old site back on its feet. There's £2.5m up for grabs - £20,000 - £50,000 for successful bidders and I really hope local groups will apply."
Florence Eshalomi: ‘Bridge divides and build resilient communities’
Florence Eshalomi MP, Minister of State for Homelessness, Democracy, Communities and Faith at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, said strong communities grow from everyday spaces where people belong.
"Strong communities are built in the conversations between neighbours and in the everyday spaces where people can come together, build trust and feel like they belong.
"This funding has already done so much to strengthen connections across England, from community cafés and sports clubs to pop-up living rooms that get people talking and forging new ties.
"I'm looking forward to seeing even more organisations backed by this funding, continuing their excellent work to bridge divides and build more resilient communities across the country."
