Grant Re-Opening (Rothwell) - message for existing applicants

Thank you to everyone who has already applied to the My LEEDS Community Grant!

We've received over 500 applications from across the city, which is incredible. However, this hasn't been evenly distributed across all wards of Leeds, with some wards receiving dozens of applications and others less.

Therefore, in the interests of fairness, we are reopening the Community Grants scheme for Rothwell ward.

Applications for these are being accepted until Monday 22 May at midday. If you have already applied for this ward, don't worry, you do not need to apply again - your application will be considered and scored along with all applications received.

All other wards are being shortlisted as planned. Due to the number of applications received shortlisting is taking a little longer than expected and Rothwell applicants should hear from us by 2nd June with an outcome.

Thank you,

My LEEDS team

Throughout the Summer every ward in Leeds is celebrating and you are invited to take part! 

Part of My LEEDS 2023, 33 Neighbourhood Hosts are working together and with people in their communities to create activities in every ward of the city.

Taking place in parks, village halls, high streets and shopping centres, the events will shine a light on the creativity found on our doorsteps and Leeds' amazing communities. 

Now's your chance to apply for a small grant to take part in one of the events. 

Who can apply? 

Anyone who has something creative or cultural to share with their ward, whether it is something you do as a hobby or professionally. Examples include art, music, performance, sport, football, cookery, faith - the list goes on.  

Applications are open to:

• Individuals (aged 18+)

• Voluntary groups

• Community and arts organisations

• Non-profit bodies

• Schools, provided the grant is for public activity at the event

You must live in, work in or have a significant relationship with the ward you are applying to. In some cases, Neighbourhood Hosts are happy to receive applications from people outside of their ward.

If you are unsure what we mean by wards, here is a map you can use to work out which ward you live or work in.

If you would like to apply for more than one ward, please complete a separate application for each. If you have more than one idea for a ward’s event, please submit it as part of one application.  

All applicants must have a UK bank account.

Below is an overview of the celebration events taking place in each ward. After reading the event overview for your ward, scroll for details on how to apply.

What can I apply for? 

In each ward there is a maximum of £3000 available in grants. Most Hosts are looking to support a number of proposals so we expect most grants will be between £100 and £500. The maximum amount you can apply for varies per ward however – check your ward's in the Event Overview.  

This grant could cover:  

• time/fee for being involved 

• materials e.g. paint 

• expenses e.g. travel  

The application form will request a simple breakdown of the money you are asking for. 

How do I apply? 

You can apply online by: 

• a written online application or

• upload a video or voice recording  

You’ll need to show how your idea fits with the event vision outlined by the Host. You will have the option to add links to webpages or upload photos and videos to demonstrate your activity and help the panel understand your proposal better.

The deadline for Rothwell applications is Monday 22nd May at midday. We are unable to accept late applications. 

If you need the application form in another format, email us at myleeds@leeds2023.co.uk or call 0113 511 2023. 

I don't require a grant, can I be involved in other ways?

Sure thing! 

If you want to take part but don’t require a grant, please express your interest in being involved by contacting your neighbourhood host directly.

I have some questions, what do I do?

Check out the Event Overviews above for all the info about the event you are interested in taking part in or consult the FAQs below.

If you have other questions email your question to myleeds@leeds2023.co.uk - write the ward name in the subject heading so we can direct your email

How will my application be assessed?  

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of LEEDS 2023 Hosts and a member of LEEDS 2023 staff. They will be assessed and shortlisted by the panel against a set of criteria which you can find at the end of this page.  

Please note, the My LEEDS Summer events are small scale and sadly not all applications will be successful.  

LEEDS 2023 will notify all current applicants with the outcome by 24 April and round 3 applicants with the outcome by 15 May. Hosts will not be able to provide feedback on the awarding of the grants but there will be an opportunity to direct any requests for feedback to the LEEDS 2023 team. 

Please be aware that the events are still under development and some details such as locations, venues and timings may change.

Access Support

We want to make sure everyone can take part in the events. If you want to let us know about any access requirements you may have, please do so on the application form when asked. You can also speak to us directly by contacting us via email on myleeds@leeds2023.co.uk or by phone on 0113 511 2023. There will also be time after the online Community Grant Info Session (info above) to ask any further questions you may have.

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

• Does the proposal fit within the ward event vision  

• Is it feasible within the plans for the event, including scale and budget 

• Is it suitable for the event's audience  

• Is it feasible within the grant budget requested  

• Will the activity be engaging, interesting and/or exciting in the context of the event 

• Does the applicant demonstrate a relationship with the ward (if applicable)

We can't wait to receive your application!

My LEEDS 2023 is made possible thanks to funding from Paul Hamlyn Foundation and National Lottery Heritage Fund and is in partnership with University of Leeds Horizons Institute. 

The Neighbourhood Host scheme is delivered in partnership with UNION: The Northern School for Creativity and Activism.