What is the Hillfields 'Bright Idea Fund'?We've put £7,000 aside to help residents start new groups and activities at Hillfields Park Community Centre. No experience needed — just an idea and the will to run it.
£7,000 pot (growing with local top-ups) Opens 8 Sept 2026 — first come, first served Hillfields residents only |
|
Why we're doing this
A fund shaped by the voices and ideas of our community.
Bright Ideas is a resident-led fund, shaped by what people in Hillfields tell us they'd like to see. If there's a sports club, fitness class or physical activity you'd love to get started at the centre, as well as arts, crafts or wellbeing sessions. We're here to listen, support you and help turn your idea into something real.
You might be an individual who's passionate about a particular sport or activity; football, dance, walking groups, martial arts, yoga, or about a craft or wellbeing practice like pottery, sewing, singing or mindfulness. Or you might already know some neighbours or friends who fancy coming together to start something new, whatever that might be.
You might be an individual who's passionate about a particular sport or activity; football, dance, walking groups, martial arts, yoga, or about a craft or wellbeing practice like pottery, sewing, singing or mindfulness. Or you might already know some neighbours or friends who fancy coming together to start something new, whatever that might be.
What Bright Ideas can — and can't — pay for
Bids can be small or modest in scale. It's about covering what you genuinely need to get going, not funding everything forever.
✓ Can Fund✓ Full or partial room hire at the centre
✓ Activity resources — craft materials, sports equipment, games ✓ Coaching courses, or a professional coach's fee (self-employed coaches OK) ✓ Other essential items needed to launch the activity |
✕ Can't Fund✕ Organisations with paid staff
✕ Activities already funded for the same purpose ✕ Activities that have already happened ✕ Wages, salaries, or payments to yourself ✕ Political or religious campaigning ✕ Alcohol, or unsafe/illegal activities ✕ One-off events |
Some real Examples of what the Bright Ideas Pot can be used for
|
This list is not exhaustive and is only for suggestions:
|
|
Who it's for
Open to Hillfields residents, open to all kinds of ideas
You'll need to show proof of address to apply. Activities must be open to the community (you can still charge to cover costs) and must run at Hillfields Park Community Centre. We don't fund closed groups — but groups for a specific community, identity or need are absolutely fine, as long as they're clearly purposeful, inclusive within their own audience, and of genuine benefit to Hillfields.
Every application is judged against how well it fits these things:
Every application is judged against how well it fits these things:
01
Grow leadership
Supporting group leaders to develop.
02
Build connections
Supporting welcoming community activities.
03
Improve health & wellbeing
Regular opportunities to take part in positive activities and learning.
04
Strengthen resilience
Helping residents support one another and take action locally.
05
Open and inclusive
Creating activities that are welcoming, accessible, and open to the community.
Meeting the criteria doesn't guarantee funding — if we're oversubscribed, we prioritise a diverse mix of activities over funding the same type of idea twice.
From idea to activity
1
Come along to Bright Ideas Night
A drop-in info session — no need to book. Bring a fully formed idea, half an idea, or just a question. We'll help you shape a bid, including working out costs like the example above.
Tuesday 29th September, 6-7pm, at the centre.
2
Fill in the application form
The form's on our website. You'll need proof of Hillfields address, a description of your activity, and a simple cost breakdown.
3
Submit from 8 September
Applications open on 8 September 2026 and are first come, first served — the pot closes when the funds run out, so don't leave it too late.
4
Hear back within 6 weeks
We'll let you know the outcome by email or phone within 6 weeks of your application.
5
If you're successful
We'll meet beforehand to agree resources, help promote your activity (poster template, website, social media, noticeboards), book your space, and cover health & safety. You may need a risk assessment or safeguarding evidence/training.
Later on, we'll ask for a short case study — photos (with permission), a few participant quotes, and attendance numbers — to show what the fund made possible.
Common questions
Before you apply
Can I apply if I've never run a group before?
Yes — that's exactly who this fund is for. Growing new group leaders is one of the fund's core aims, so no prior experience is expected. Its about being passionate and trying to share a skill, or get a new club/activity going that you want to do too.
Can I apply if I run a group somewhere else?
Yes, if you are a resident in Hillfields and or have experience of running a class, activity or workshop you can apply.
Can I charge people to attend my activity?
Yes. In fact, we want to help you build something sustainable — and ideally profitable — beyond the initial funding. The Bright Ideas Pot can cover the full or partial cost of room hire and other essential resources to get you started, so you can set a charge that covers your costs and, over time, generates an income for you to continue running the group independently. The one condition is that the activity stays open to the community rather than becoming a closed group.
Can I run something for a specific group, like women only, or a particular community?
Yes — groups for specific communities, identities or needs are welcome, as long as they're clearly purposeful, inclusive within their own audience, and of genuine benefit to Hillfields.
What if my idea has already happened, or is already funded elsewhere?
We can't fund activities that have already taken place, or the same purpose that's already been funded. Get in touch if you're not sure whether yours counts.
Do I need to be a registered organisation?
No — this fund is designed for individual residents and informal groups, not constituted organisations. You do need to show proof of a Hillfields address.
Do I need insurance or registration?
All classes and activities will need to have a risk assessment completed, safeguarding and DBS checks if working with children and vulnerable adults, and you may need to have insurance or register as a club. However, we can support you with your risk assessment, safeguarding and discussions about safety.
What happens if the pot runs out before I apply?
Applications are first come, first served and close as soon as the £7,000 (plus any top-ups) is allocated. We'll post updates on how much is left, so apply as early as you can.
Got an idea? Let's make it happen.
A new group, activity, class or something you've noticed is missing? This could be your chance to get it started.
Call 0117 304 8045 or email [email protected] or
drop in to the centre to discuss how we can help get your idea off the ground.
drop in to the centre to discuss how we can help get your idea off the ground.
