Sports clubs, arts organisations, community groups and charities across the Liverpool City Region are being invited to apply for grants of up to £1,000 to help make sport and culture more accessible for disabled people.
The funding, ranging from £300 to £1,000, forms part of a new social impact programme launched ahead of two major international Para sport events coming to Liverpool in 2027.
The Inclusive Sport and Culture Festival will take place across Liverpool’s waterfront from 2 to 8 May 2027, followed by the IWBF Wheelchair Basketball European Championships at the M&S Bank Arena from 11 to 19 September 2027.
Both events are delivered by UKEL, with the community grants designed to create a lasting legacy of inclusion and accessibility across the region.
Funding to improve accessibility across Liverpool City Region
The grants will support local organisations looking to remove barriers that prevent disabled people and those with additional access needs from participating in sport, arts and cultural activities.
Funding can be used to purchase accessible equipment, introduce new inclusive sessions, undertake accessibility audits, improve facilities or provide specialist training for staff and volunteers.
Projects could include wheelchair basketball or Boccia sessions, accessible dance classes, choirs, theatre groups and arts workshops that want to welcome more D/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent participants.
Applications are open to sports clubs, community groups, registered charities, not-for-profit organisations and Community Interest Companies, provided their projects take place within the Liverpool City Region.
The programme will operate across two funding rounds, with the first application deadline set for 5pm on Monday 30 November 2026.
A second round will close at 5pm on Friday 4 June 2027.
Applications will be assessed by a panel involving UKEL, Liverpool City Council and people with lived experience of disability or accessibility needs. Decisions will be made within eight weeks.
Creating a lasting legacy beyond major sporting events
The wider social impact programme focuses on four key areas: wellbeing, skills development, live event experience, and advocacy and system change.
Supported by funding from The National Lottery, the initiative aims to build on existing community projects while creating more opportunities for disabled people to participate in activities throughout the region.
John Muddeman, Director of Events at UKEL, said:
“Bringing two major Para sport events to Liverpool in the same year is a huge moment for the city, and we want the impact to be felt long after the final match, in the clubs, groups and community spaces where people take part every week.
“These grants are deliberately practical. A piece of equipment, a new session, an access audit or training for volunteers can be the difference between someone being able to take part or not. Local organisations know their communities best, and we can’t wait to see what they do with this funding.”
Esther Britten MBE, Head of Events and External Affairs at UK Sport, said:
“Major events have the power to do far more than inspire people in the moment. Through National Lottery funding, we want to make sure they create opportunities that continue long after the events themselves, helping more disabled people take part in sport and culture in the communities that host them. We’re delighted to support this programme and look forward to seeing the difference these grants make across Liverpool.”
Arts and cultural organisations encouraged to apply
Organisers are particularly keen to encourage applications from Liverpool City Region’s creative community, ensuring that opportunities extend beyond traditional sporting activities.
Bev Ayre, Creative Director of the Inclusive Sport and Culture Festival, said:
“Culture sits right at the heart of this festival, and so much of it happens in community halls, studios and rehearsal rooms across the city region. We’d love to hear from arts and cultural groups as much as sports clubs, whether that’s a dance class, a choir, a theatre company or a visual arts group that wants to make its work more accessible.
“D/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists are leading the festival’s cultural programme, and these grants are a chance to grow that creativity at a grassroots level, long before and long after May 2027.”
The Inclusive Sport and Culture Festival will be the first event of its kind in the UK, combining international Para sport competitions in Boccia, Para Athletics, Wheelchair Rugby and Para Canoe with a £1 million arts and culture programme led by D/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists.
Four months later, Liverpool will welcome Europe’s leading wheelchair basketball nations for the IWBF Wheelchair Basketball European Championships, with teams competing for qualification to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
How to apply for the community grants
Organisations interested in applying can access the full guidance, application form and budget template at iscfestival.co.uk/grants.
Completed applications must be emailed to hello@ukel.co.uk by 5pm on Monday 30 November 2026 for the first funding round.
Applicants requiring information in an alternative format or additional support with their application can also contact UKEL using the same email address.
