The Community Inclusion Grant applications are now closed. Keep reading to find out more details about the scheme and recent recipients.
The scheme is designed to support projects that aim to make Portsmouth a place where all feel welcome with fair opportunities. We invite projects that challenge inequality, advance equity, and celebrate diversity in Portsmouth.
They can be about:
- making facilities more accessible
- attracting a wider group of people
- highlighting unique aspects of a group or community
- providing support to disadvantaged groups of people.
We recognise that there is a lot of valuable work that happens in our communities and a bit of funding can take a project to the next level.
The scheme ties in with the wider equality, diversity and inclusion priority at Portsmouth City Council that looks to bring communities together, to allow for a thriving and diverse Portsmouth.
Portsmouth City Council is fully inclusive and strives to enhance equality of opportunity.
Who could apply
Groups or charities who apply for funding had to meet the following criteria to be considered:
- a constitution (or rules)
- a bank account in the name of the organisation with a recent bank statement for evidence
- a policy describing how they will safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults
- evidence of relevant insurance.
HIVE Portsmouth offers support to groups to help meet the requirements.
Other support available
If the Community Inclusion Grant isn’t suitable for your organisation’s funding needs you might want to contact HIVE Portsmouth about grants available to support voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations, email grants@hiveportsmouth.org.uk.
2025 grant recipients
Grants were awarded to the following successful bids:
- The Aldingbourne Trust – Providing wellbeing workshops for people with learning disabilities and autism
- Are You CIC – Creating accessible educational resources for adults with autism to improve their understanding of Relationship and Sex Education
- Beacon View Primary Academy – Providing a community boot camp with structured exercise sessions for children and families, especially those with SEND members
- Chat Over Chai – The project focuses on addressing the increased risk of diabetes among South Asian female members
- Community Kettle – Providing a Community Connector who will engage with and support individuals accessing the Hub services, and organise events and activities
- Connors Toy Libraries – Providing one to one support for vulnerable families to attend toy libraries and other areas such as health care appointments and benefits advice
- Craftabulous – Sustainable sewing and craft classes run for the community in Portsmouth
- Creatful CIC – Offering women in Portsmouth facing challenges in addiction, homelessness and/or being on parole access to wellness tools and techniques
- Enable Ability – Assessing the accessibility of various locations across Portsmouth whilst enjoying the venue where they can socialise with other adults with disabilities
- Endometriosis South Coast – Establishing an Endometriosis Ambassador Programme within Portsmouth to advocate for better awareness, policy changes and community support
- Engendering Change – Hosting an inclusive free event for LGBTQ+ parents and prospective parents
- Fighting with Pride – The project will involve a number of activities in Portsmouth which are designed to bring the LGBTQ+ Veteran Community together
- Friends without Borders – Improving digital inclusion for refugees and asylum-seekers by providing equipment and IT training through digital workshops
- Hampshire Community Rail Partnership – The Try 2 Train Programme aims to build confidence in using public transport, particularly trains, empowering participants with the skills to travel independently
- Latvian Community in Portsmouth – Hosting activities such as a language exchange corner where participants can practice Latvian and English, a multicultural choir and cooking demonstrations
- Music Fusion – Providing music sessions which focus on engaging with young people (14-25 yrs) experiencing challenging life circumstances from a range of backgrounds
- Portsmouth Black History Group – The project offers a local lens on the gaps in British history and uncover hidden Black histories in the community of Portsmouth
- Portsmouth City of Sanctuary – Providing meals for asylum seekers and refugees visiting the refugee Hub, including Eid
- Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association – Providing an activity program and opportunities to relax without judgement, promoting physical health and well-being in a safe and inclusive space
- Seekers Create – The project will engage school students in a co-creation workshop to design a mural, followed by a painting phase with a smaller group of students
- SEND Butterflies South Coast – Offering inclusive family subsidised activity trips to support families whose children have special needs and disabilities
- Spirit in Sport – Providing a weekly table tennis café to bring together people of all ages and backgrounds to mitigate loneliness and improve health and confidence
- Southsea Green Community Garden Association – Providing weekly art groups partnering with Action Asylum to support asylum seekers with new and existing skill sets
- Stamshaw School PATCH – Creating a dedicated wellbeing area which will serve as a welcoming, calming environment for children, staff, parents and families to access essential support
- This New Ground – The project will provide Portsmouth’s first ever Learning Disability Arts Festival, with funding going towards running the weekly co-creation program
- URBOND – Funding will go towards a parents group designed to tackle key issues affecting the community
- Viva Gymnastics – Providing gym classes for young people experiencing financial hardship
- Wet Wheels Solent – Providing barrier-free boating experiences for disabled people from Portsmouth
- Work Better Innovations – Helping new migrants in Portsmouth from ethnically diverse backgrounds adapt to their new community, promoting their economic and social participation