Bid window opens for Stockport Economic Development and Regeneration Flexible Grant scheme

Stockport Council has opened the bid window for the Stockport Economic Development and Regeneration Flexible Grant (EDRFG) scheme.

The scheme offers a mix of revenue and capital funding of up to £50,000 and is intended to support visible, time-limited projects that deliver clear outputs and outcomes for Stockport. EDRFG replaces the previous UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) local grant programmes and is part of the Government’s Integrated Settlement for Greater Manchester.

The fund gives Stockport Council flexibility to invest in projects that support local economic growth; improve places and spaces; enhance cultural engagement and community participation; or improve business productivity. Applications are being invited from:

• community and voluntary organisations
• charities and social enterprises
• cultural and creative organisations
• other eligible not-for-profit organisations
• organisations delivering economic or place-based activity

The standard funding range is up to £25,000. For exceptional applications, bids of up to £50,000 may be considered where there’s a strong case.

Applicants should only apply for the level of funding needed to deliver their project and must demonstrate good value for money. To support this, a cost and timeline breakdown is required.

All projects must be delivered within Stockport and be fully delivered by 28 February 2027.

Funding bids will be considered by Stockport Council’s Economy Work and Skills Team, who are happy to discuss bids and provide advice on outcome alignment, eligibility and suitability, and bid writing. To support applicants, the team will be hosting online bid writing workshops via Microsoft Teams ahead of the submission deadline on the following dates:

• 10 April, midday to 1pm
• 15 April, 4pm to 5pm
• 22 April, 9:30am to 10:30am

Completed bid applications should be sent to Stockport Council’s Economy Work and Skills Team via email by 4pm on 24th April 2026 to be considered, with outcomes of applications expected to be shared in early June.

For full details, including eligibility and how to submit a bid application for the EDRFG and other grant schemes in the borough, please see the Stockport Council website.