Sandwell Welcoming Spaces 2026 – Applications are now OPEN

Following the success of programmes in 2022-25, SCVO and Sandwell Council are working together to build a longer-term community space initiative that offers year-round welcoming sources of information, advice and company/ friendship for 2026-27.

We are looking for expressions of interest in joining this network of year-round community support so that we can promote these to residents, particularly throughout the autumn and winter.

We are not seeking (at this stage) to develop new initiatives but rather coordinate all those publicly accessible spaces that are already open as part of a group’s regular activity, offering (where required) a small contribution to the cost of this engagement activity. Grants of £500 are available to support a 1-year ‘Welcoming Space’ provision.

Working together to build a more formal network will help to create a Welcoming Spaces brand that is recognisable and offers a minimum level of ‘welcome’ wherever you may be in the borough.

If you would like to apply for funding please visit > Welcoming Spaces 2026                                                                                           Submissions will be considered on a first come first serve basis, awards will be made in early August 2026. Previous applicants are welcome to apply.

For any questions you might have, or a quick conversation about the scheme more broadly, contact SCVO: grants@scvo.info (with ‘Welcoming Spaces’ in the subject line).