Thousands of Manchester residents are set to benefit from a major investment in the city's voluntary and community sector, with £16.5 million allocated over the next three years to help organisations continue delivering vital local services.
The Our Manchester Voluntary and Community Sector (OMVCS) Fund has awarded funding to 80 organisations for the 2026-29 funding period following a highly competitive application process. The programme is designed to improve the stability and resilience of voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations that provide essential support across Manchester's neighbourhoods.
Manchester is home to more than 3,800 voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations, many of which play a critical role in supporting vulnerable residents, reducing social isolation and addressing inequalities. The city council has increased the fund's annual budget from £2.4 million to £5.5 million, reinforcing its commitment to sustaining services that communities rely on.
The funding has been targeted to ensure it reaches areas and groups facing the greatest challenges, including residents living in deprived wards, disabled people and racially minoritised communities. By supporting locally embedded organisations, the fund aims to strengthen community resilience, improve health and wellbeing outcomes, and create greater access to skills development and employment opportunities.
Council leaders say the investment will help voluntary organisations continue delivering frontline support while contributing to broader priorities such as poverty reduction, climate action and improving quality of life across the city.
The long-term impact is expected to be seen in stronger, more inclusive communities, where residents have better access to support services and opportunities that help them thrive.
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Deputy Leader for Manchester City Council, said:
"Manchester’s voluntary and community sector plays a vital role in supporting residents across the city, and this investment ensures organisations can continue delivering that support where it’s needed most. By strengthening stability and targeting inequality, the OMVCS Fund is helping to build healthier, more inclusive neighbourhoods and enabling people to thrive."
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