Photography / Ben Elliot
Build the power of your club as a space for action and change in your local community
Over the next five years, with our partners Power to Change, Centre for Organising, and Create Change Evaluation, we’ll be working directly with clubs and national policymakers to provide business support, grants, and to create a national network of social clubs.
What’s the opportunity?
At the core of the programme, a group of social clubs from across England will work with an embedded community organiser, receive specialist technical support, and access up to £30,000 to support events, engagement, and campaigns.
The programme will be delivered through two phases – and we’re looking for up to nine social clubs for the first group starting in Autumn 2026.The 18-24 month group programme will offer a funded opportunity, including:
A paid community organiser to work with your club for 3.5 days a week
£15,000 annual budget to support the role and associated activities
A package of specialist business support from expert advisors each year
Expenses covered to attend regional and national events
Express your interest in joining the first group programme
Complete our short online Expression of Interest form no later than 31 July 2026. To request a paper version, email us at contact@21stcenturysocialclubs.com.
What do we expect from each social club?
Participation in this programme requires a clear commitment from each club to actively engage and support the work. This includes:
Commit to the programme —
Nominate two committee members to lead engagement, work with our team over 18–24 months, and support the recruitment and development of a Community Organiser.
Open your club to new opportunities —
Develop your club’s role in the local community, engage marginalised groups, and create space for new ideas, activities, and partnerships.
Be part of a national movement —
Share your learning with other clubs and help shape the future of the social club movement through collaboration and advocacy.
Is my club eligible?
The programme is open to social clubs that are membership-based organisations with an elected committee. Before submitting an application, check that your club:
Is in England, with membership open to all and an elected committee
Is a not-for-profit Co-operative Society, Friendly Society, Community Benefit Society, or Company Limited by Guarantee
Is willing to share learning, and participate in national and regional programme activities
Is open to extending club premises and membership to the wider community, and addressing barriers to inclusion for marginalised groups
We aim to have a geographically diverse group, so we are particularly interested in applications from clubs in neighbourhoods facing multiple deprivation, former coalfield communities, coastal towns, rural and post-industrial communities, and metropolitan/urban areas.
How do I apply?
We are now open to expressions of interest from social clubs wishing to join the first group programme. For more information on the programme and full guidance on how to apply see our PDF guide.
1
Check eligibility
Joining the movement is open to all social clubs. If you’re applying for the group programme, check your club meets the full eligibility criteria in the Programme Information & Guidance Notes.
2
Discuss with your committee
Speak to your committee, make them aware of the opportunity, and see if they are supportive of submitting an Expression of Interest.
3
Complete the Expression of Interest form
Fill out our short online Expression of Interest form no later than 31 July 2026. A member of our team may contact you to discuss your application and next steps.