What is Small Sparks Funding?
Here at Being You Leeds, we offer micro-grants of up to £500 to local groups and activities focused on preventative mental health and wellbeing in Leeds.
Good news! New applications open on April 1st, 2026. Mark your calendars!
Do you have an idea for a group, event or project that could improve mental health and wellbeing in Leeds? We believe the best ideas come from local people who know their communities best. Whether you want to start something new or keep a creative project going, this fund could help you.
Small Sparks funding criteria
Start on 1th of April. To apply for a Small Sparks grant in Leeds, your group or activity must meet the following criteria:
- Focus on preventing mental health problems and supporting wellbeing
- Take place in Leeds
- Not already receive public funding or support from Being You Leeds, Live Well Leeds, Better Together or Linking Leeds
- Be run by an unincorporated group or a not-for-profit organisation (we cannot fund profit-making organisations)
- Use the funds to start or maintain activities – your application must include a clear description of how the money will be spent, with a breakdown of costs
- Not already have Small Sparks funding from Being You Leeds for the same group or activity
Reporting
If your application is successful, we’ll ask you to:
- Submit monitoring such as photos, quotes, expenditure breakdown and a case study
- Attend 1 to 2 progress meetings with our Grants Coordinator throughout your project
- Use Being You Leeds logo as the project sponsor on all promotional materials (guidance will be provided)
- Take part in an end of project celebration event in July 2026
Examples of Small Sparks funded projects in Leeds
Here are some of the projects and groups we’ve supported before:
- Men’s Group Social in Burmantofts
- Leeds Long COVID Art Project
- Senior Socials at the Old Fire Station
- Sabhrang Gidha Dance Group
- Hopeful Hearts – connecting people who are socially isolated and helping them learn new skills