Photography / Ben Elliot
Build the power of your club as a space for action and change in your local community
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 an annual budget 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
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. 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, particularly working with people who may face barriers or disadvantage, such as young people, disabled people, low-income families, people from ethnic minority communities, and LGBTQ+ people.
Before submitting an application, check your club meets the full eligibility criteria in the Programme Information & Guidance Notes.
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
Make sure your club is eligible
Before 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.
FAQs
What is a social club?
What's a ‘community organiser’?
What does taking part mean for our club?
Can I apply on behalf of a club in my area?
Who funds this programme?
Our partners
