Scheme details
Area: Newcastle upon Tyne, Sunderland, County Durham, Gateshead, South Tyneside, North Tyneside, Northumberland
Categories: Finance & funding, Grant
Business stage: Trading business
Page last updated: 16 May 2025
More than 30 more community projects have already benefited from the first round of funding, aimed at projects to bring people together, tackle poverty, and create opportunity for others.
Grassroots organisations across the North East have delivered rewilding projects, community cleanups, affordable meals, art therapy, and outings for young people thanks to the fund, described as ‘a lifeline’ for the region’s most in need.
We are taking expressions of interest for the second round.
Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “The Mayor’s Opportunity Fund is about investing in the heart of our communities – the people and projects working every day to lift others up, tackle poverty, and provide real opportunity."
“So far, we’ve funded 33 brilliant organisations right across our region, from youth clubs and community meals to supporting women in recovery.
“We’re backing the kind of grassroots work that really changes lives."
“But we want to do more. My mission is to make the North East the best place in the UK to grow up, get a job, and succeed, and that starts with supporting local organisations who are already making that happen."
“If you’re building opportunity in your community, I want to hear from you.”