Community organisations in Oldham and across England can bid for a second round of the Common Ground Award, a government fund that pays for the buildings, spaces and equipment that help people meet and mix.

The scheme, first launched in 2025, backs groups that already know their own areas and are working to bring together people from different backgrounds. Money can go towards turning a tired community building into a more welcoming hub, buying equipment so more people can take part in activities, or creating places where neighbours can talk. The fund is intended to build understanding between people and reduce prejudice.

Up to £2.5 million is available in this round. A single organisation can apply for between £20,000 and £50,000, and in exceptional cases up to £100,000 where need is clearly shown and the impact is expected to be significant. Partnerships of organisations can bid for between £100,000 and £250,000.

Applications opened on 14 September 2026 and the closing date is 12 October 2026. Applicants are expected to hear the outcome in December 2026, with payments likely to be made in January 2027.

Oldham Boxing & Personal Development Centre is among 211 projects backed in the first phase. Its founder, Eric Noi, said the award had helped the centre reach more people.

He said: "As a recipient of the Common Ground Award, we have been empowered to reach and engage more people across our community, breaking down barriers and making access to sport and physical activity genuinely inclusive."

He added that the centre's aim was to ensure sport "remains accessible, affordable and welcoming, particularly for those who are too often excluded".

Minister for Communities Florence Eshamlomi said: "Strong communities are built in the conversations between neighbours and in the everyday spaces where people can come together, build trust and feel like they belong."

Other first round recipients include Accrington Stanley Football in the Community, which received £28,472 for a community minibus taking health, education, sport and wellbeing activities into neighbourhoods across Hyndburn and East Lancashire. Footprints in the Community received £9,559 to improve its Community Café in Redcar and Cleveland.

Only capital costs are covered, such as building or renovating facilities, and buying equipment. The fund is open to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations that are based and operating in England with charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes. Organisations can apply on their own or as part of a consortium.

The prospectus and the application form are published on GOV.UK and the MHCLG Funding Service.