We are excited to launch the Collaborative Communities Fund to deliver targeted support in two geographical areas of Kirklees! We are looking for VCSE organisations that understand their local community needs and can work in partnership to support local VCSE groups and organisations to grow and thrive. TSL is inviting expressions of interest from local VCSE organisations based in the Dewsbury and Mirfield area and Kirklees Rural area.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for collaborative projects that make a positive difference to local communities and strengthen the VCSE sector at a local level. Projects will be delivered over a six-month period from October 2026 – March 2027.

Projects must:

• Respond to local community needs
• Be delivered in partnership with one or more local VCSE organisations including local groups (expressions of interest from a single organisation will not be considered)
• Build capacity of local VCSE groups and local VCSE organisations. Some examples of capacity building include offering training and skills development, accessing funding, support with governance, support with policies and procedures, problem solving and mentoring etc. Please include at least one capacity building element in your project proposal (support is available from TSL to help deliver this element)
• Contribute to one or more of the following outcomes in the local area:
  • Improve physical and mental health and wellbeing
  • Reduce health inequalities
  • Reduce social isolation
  • Strengthen sense of local community and belonging
• Use a ‘test and learn’ approach delivered over a six-month period (October 2026 to March 2027). TSL is interested in exploring new ways of working and how these projects might feed into our future plans in these local areas.

Application process:

Book a conversation with Raj Cheema to discuss your project idea –   Email InfrastructureSupport@tslkirklees.org.uk to schedule a conversation. Please note that any expressions of interest submitted without this conversation will not be considered.

Complete our expression of interest – by Thursday 20th August 2026 at the latest.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an event to present their project.

Local area representatives will support TSL in selecting projects in each area to receive funding.