Parkinson's UK: Physical Activity Grants

Overview

Being active can have a significant impact on living well with Parkinson’s, regardless of symptoms or time since diagnosis. The Parkinson’s UK Physical Activity Grants Programme supports activity providers, communities, networks, organisations and others to develop opportunities for people with Parkinson’s to become and stay active.

This programme has been made possible by funding from Parkinson’s UK and Boost Charitable Trust.

Programme Outcomes:

It’s important that any opportunities they fund can demonstrate the following desired impact:

• People with Parkinson's become and stay active, and/or significantly increase their levels of activity if they are already active.
• More physical activity provision for everyone with Parkinson’s across the UK.
• Improved social wellbeing in people with Parkinson’s as a result of attending the project.

Programme Priorities:

They are looking for innovative and new projects that will:

• Help people with Parkinson’s become and stay active, or
• Help people with Parkinson’s who are already active to significantly increase their levels of physical activity.

Please note: They will not fund existing provision unless it’s a significant expansion of an already existing activity for people with Parkinson’s, for example:

Example 1: In addition to a dance class that you currently deliver, you’d like to apply for funds to deliver another dance class targeting people with Parkinson’s. Costs of the new class would be considered. The existing class costs won’t be considered.

Example 2: You’d like to apply for an expansion of your current table tennis provision to include and accommodate people with Parkinson’s. Costs associated with creating a more accommodating session for everyone with Parkinson’s will be considered. Existing costs will not be considered.

Example 3: You’d like to expand your seated exercise class in order to significantly increase levels of physical activity in people with Parkinson’s by creating a walking session. Costs to create the walking provision will be considered. Costs associated with the seated exercise class will not be considered.

They encourage projects that will reach and engage with a wide range of people with Parkinson’s, especially those who may be from the following groups:

• Newly diagnosed
• Young onset
• People and groups seen as ‘under represented’ - including socially isolated, ethnic communities or those that are not digitally connected
• People who are not engaged with Parkinson’s UK
• People who are inactive, or active at low levels
• People who are still working

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must:

• be based in the UK
• have a business/community bank account as funds cannot be transferred into a personal account
• Where applicable, provide evidence of your articles of association, constitution or other relevant governing documents (this doesn’t apply to organisations that are set up for profit)
• consult with their local Parkinson’s UK Area Development Manager  Please ensure that you contact the relevant local staff of the area you propose to deliver in. They can provide you with local insight and support you with evidencing the local need for your project.
• ensure that all relevant qualifications are held and insurance is in place prior to delivery of the project

Project eligibility criteria

• Projects must run for a minimum of 12 weeks and a maximum of 52 weeks and must start within 12 weeks of receiving the grant.
• Providers who have already received a Physical Activity Grant in 2023 or 2024 are welcome to re-apply, but they must meet the following conditions:
  • The project must be a new or expanded project. A duplication of your 2023 or 2024 project or application will not be accepted.
  • The End of Project Report for your 2023 or 2024 grant must be submitted and signed off by our grants team prior to making an application.
  • Funds from the 2023 or 2024 grant must be spent in full.
• All match funding must already be secured before applying for this grant.
• Applicants must demonstrate the need for their project by consulting with their intended participants and local contacts, and evidencing the need of their project.

Parkinson’s UK is an accredited Living Wage employer. This means they encourage organizations that employ staff to become an accredited Living Wage Employer.

Funding Levels

In 2025 applications can be made for a minimum of £500 up to a maximum of £3,000.  Up to 100% of costs are available if required (if the criteria is met, to a maximum of £3,000 and at the discretion of the awarding panel). 

Examples of what they can support and cost limits

• New physical activity provision for people with Parkinson’s.
• New physical activity that significantly increase the level of physical activity of people with Parkinson’s who are currently active.
• Buying equipment that will facilitate or enhance activities (for example, people want to try indoor curling so the award will fund the purchase of equipment -this is classed as capital costs and you can only apply for up to £750).
• Essential maintenance or replacement of equipment that will lead to greater participation or increased impact (for example, an indoor archery set is too old to be used properly, so the award would pay for the kit to be refurbished or replaced. This is classed as capital costs and you can only apply for up to £750).
• Facility hire (for example, as part of your bid you may need to hire gym space or a studio).
• Coaching fees (for example, you may need to pay for a trainer to deliver the activity you wish to set up).
• Specific training (for example, a volunteer gaining a coaching qualification to enable sustained delivery).
• Developing community activities that demonstrate a pathway into sustained activity (for example, you may wish to work with an organisation to enable their activity to be accessible for people with Parkinson’s).
• Helping people to access Parkinson’s specific online support to become more active (for example, an organisation offering to help people become active at home in a structured and safe way).
• Capital costs of up to £750.
• Core costs of up to 10% of your total budget request.