What this fund is about
Oxford City Council, in partnership with More Leisure Community Trust, are seeking to improve the inclusivity of our leisure centres.
Up to £1,000 of in-kind funding is available per project to encourage people who live in Oxford to move more, specifically using our leisure centres and facilities. Successful projects could include costs for swimming, use of the gym, sports hall or studio bookings, subsidised activities or instructor time. We will consider applications that pay for all or part of an activity, and will expect to see evidence of how you will make the activity sustainable.
This is in-kind funding for use of facilities and not cash funding.
Who this funding is aimed at
We'd particularly like to hear from, and support, those who are most affected by inequalities. Sport England research suggests this includes groups such as:
- Children and young people
- LGBTQIA+ community
- Older people and those with caring responsibilities
- People from ethnic minorities
- People with disabilities
- People with existing health conditions (including mental health)
- Socially disadvantaged communities
- Women
- Those with intersectionalities (experiencing multiple inequalities within these groups)
The list above is not exclusive and we'll welcome applications that support any groups of people experiencing inequalities.
Eligibility
We can only support non-profit groups or individuals. Your activity should be for community benefit and aim to:
- Improve health outcomes
- Reduce health inequalities
- Remove barriers to using leisure centres
- Increase diversity of under-represented groups
- Support those living with long term health conditions
- Address points raised in Community Insight profiles
- Attract funding from other sources
You can only apply once per year, per project.
We would strongly consider applications linked to the existing schemes below:
- GO Active
- Move Together
- You Move
- Oxfordshire on the Move
Funding available and timelines
The amount available changes each year (in line with the leisure contract performance) but we expect a minimum of £15,000 to be available for this year (April 2025 to March 2026). Funding is allocated on a first come, first served basis, and the application form will be open for as long as funding is available each year.
You can expect to receive a decision within 4 weeks of submitting your application.
Reporting
There is a requirement to complete a short report at the end of the year or at the end of your project. You can access the reporting form here.
Leisure Community Fund reporting form
How to apply
Apply online using the application form below. Please let us know if you need this in a different format.
The form should take no more than 30 minutes to complete. As there is no ability to save progress, we recommend you prepare your answers beforehand, and copy/paste your answers into the form.
Leisure Community Fund application form
If you need help or have any questions
Please contact Adam Godwin at More Leisure: adam.godwin@serco.com or James Baughan at Oxford City Council: jbaughan@oxford.gov.uk
