Step Up MCR is committed to connecting with local people, groups and businesses to create happier and healthier communities, so that everybody feels at home in our city. 

By working together, we know we can support, sustain and strengthen local neighbourhoods, creating places that people are proud of and want to live in. 

The Step Forward Fund gives neighbours an opportunity to Step Forward to pitch, Step Forward to vote, and Step Forward to take action. 

Pitches should demonstrate how your project will boost health and wellbeing in the community of Ancoats & Beswick or Clayton & Openshaw, or how your project will get people moving more in Ancoats & Beswick. 

It’s easy to apply, all you need to do is complete our short application form and we’ll let you know if you’ve been shortlisted to pitch. 

Anyone! 

We want anyone with a good idea for Ancoats & Beswick and Clayton & Openshaw to have access to the funding they need to grow their project. 

We’re here to give a step up to local community projects, whether you’re starting from scratch or fundraising for that last extra bit towards your goal. You don’t even need to be incorporated or registered as an organisation.

Need some inspiration? Here are just some of the community projects Step Up MCR is working with in your area.

Pitching doesn’t guarantee funding, but you’ll always get something out of the process by stepping forwards. 

The Step Forward Fund is a great way to raise money for your project, build community support and make connections that can help your project thrive. 

Collaborative, not competitive

We are more than just a funder. Step Up MCR and MCRactive can offer the connections and peer support, fundraising assistance, development, access to opportunities and promotion your project needs. 

We’ll be there on the night along with MCRactive to chat about any ideas you have. 

Check out our Community Offer page to find out how we can help to grow your project. 

The application form is short and simple to complete. A plan on a page is all we need!

Applications should be emailed to Step Up MCR (hello@stepupmcr.org) by Sunday 10th December. 

Your application must demonstrate how your idea will improve the health and wellbeing in communities in Ancoats & Beswick and Clayton & Openshaw. Additionally through MCRactive demonstrating how your idea will improve and promote people to move more.

In submitting your application, you confirm that you or a member of your team is available to pitch at the Step Forward event on 20th December at Hallé St. Peter’s in Cutting Room Square, Ancoats.

We will offer a pitch training session to all projects who apply – even if you don’t get selected to pitch on the night. 

Pitch training will offer advice on how to present your idea in a few short minutes, and be as persuasive as it can be. 

• Projects out of our neighbourhood wards, except where applicants can demonstrate people from these wards are the main beneficiaries.

• Projects which are for individual benefit or targeting a specific demographic. Where your project does work with one group, we’d like you to let us know how the project will promote community cohesion.

• Projects promoting politics or religion. Churches or religious bodies may apply as long as the project benefits the wider community. 

• Companies that can pay profits to directors, shareholders or members.

• Schools and health bodies my apply but we will not fund statutory activities.