We want our customers to live well and enjoy life, but understand there can be barriers which hold them back.
All Irwell Valley Homes customers can apply for a personal grant up to £3,000 to pay for things that remove these barriers so they can get on in life.
This includes:
- Training course costs and any learning resources needed as part of your studies, including travel for studies (not covered by free transport provision).
- Uniform, tools, or equipment needed for work.
- Support to set up a business (subject to a business plan).
- Support with transport to work (for a maximum of 3 months).
Please note applications are currently closed due to high demand, but will re-open from Monday 30th September. In the meantime, please carefully check the criteria here to give you the best chance of your application being approved. Visit these pages again from 30th September when you will be able to complete the application form online. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
Our customer Kerry applied to the Foundation for funding to buy a laptop to help with her university degree. She said: “The laptop has made a massive improvement on my studies - I am able to work from home, meet deadlines easily and bring my equipment into uni. “Thank you so much for the support in providing help towards a better future for me and my son!”
Enhancing and supporting communities
The Foundation helps to bring people together and supports them to live well in the communities we serve across Greater Manchester.
From computer classes to lunch clubs, there are many ways we can work with you and your group to get a project off the ground, or enhance the great work already being done.
We’re really keen to hear about groups responding to address a specific need, for example a support programme to help with the cost of living.
Community groups and organisations can make a grant application of up to £12,000 to fund their work. Projects or groups could include:
- Supporting people into employment or training.
- Helping people to manage their money and deal with debt.
- Supporting people to get online and access digital services.
- Creating opportunities for young people.
- Promoting health and wellbeing.
- Combating loneliness and social isolation.
- Supporting marginalised communities.
- Projects that address poverty, social isolation and intergenerational activity.
- Improving community spaces and facilities (both indoor or outdoors) in Irwell Valley Homes neighbourhoods.
Please note applications are currently closed due to high demand, but will re-open from Monday 30th September. In the meantime, please carefully check the criteria here to give you the best chance of your application being approved. Visit these pages again from 30th September when you will be able to complete the application form online. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
Home cooked meals and a space to make friends.
The Strictly Lunch Club at our Sunshine Café in Sale West offers a place for older and more isolated members of the community to come together over a home-cooked meal. The Irwell Valley Foundation helps to fund the club, meaning people can enjoy a two-course hot lunch with a drink for just £2.50.