The Family Cooking Fund aims to support projects that enthuse, upskill and build the confidence of parents and carers of young children in cooking balanced, nutritious and low-cost meals from scratch. It also aims to increase access to lower cost ingredients and cooking equipment to support the dietary intake of families on low incomes.
This year, organisations will apply for 2 years of funding at once. This is to reflect feedback from previous projects that longer term funding would be useful to maintain relationships with families and support practically.
Funds will be released over 2 years – up to £5,000 for Year 1 (November 2026), and up to £5,000 for Year 2 (November 2026) on receipt of an update report.
The Family Cooking Fund is part of the Promoting Healthy Lifestyles in the Early Years – Integration Pilot, which is funded by NHS England and supported by Salford City Council and NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care.
Projects must:
- Work with families with at least one child under 5
- Deliver over 2026 and 2027 (2025 if wishing to deliver over Winter)
- Provide either
- child and family inclusive sessions
- a creche/children’s activities to allow adults to take part alone
- Gift a piece of equipment to families taking part
Who can apply?
To apply, your group or organisation must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Constituted as a voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE) group or organisation
Full membership of Salford CVS at the time of application
Currently adhere to the eligibility criteria for full membership of Salford CVS – more details available at https://www.salfordcvs.co.uk/membership-0
Based in Salford OR have a strong track record of delivery in Salford
Have an organisational bank account with two signatories who are not related to each other OR a holding account at Salford CVS
Fully up to date with grant reporting to Salford CVS
How to apply
Read the guidance notes in full to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria of the fund.
To apply, submit a completed application form in advance of the application deadline.
If this is your first time applying to a Salford CVS fund, read this blog which explains a bit more about applying.
We encourage you to make an appointment with the Grants Team (grants@salfordcvs.co.uk) or 0161 787 7795 or attend an online Meet the Funder session. Sign up here https://www.salfordcvs.co.uk/form/family-cooking-fund-meet-the-fun
Application deadline
Please submit a completed application to grants@salfordcvs.co.uk before 12:00 on Friday 5th September 2025.