Rugby Council launches Love Rugby Wellbeing Fund to support local communities

The fund is designed to help local organisations deliver projects that improve health and wellbeing and increase access to physical activity. It also supports the council’s commitment to creating a healthier, fairer, thriving and greener Rugby.
 
A total of £250,000 is available, with grants of up to £20,000 for successful applicants. Funding can be used for a wide range of projects, including improving community facilities, creating new activities to help people get active, supporting underrepresented groups, and testing new ideas that help people build healthy habits for life.
 
The fund supports the council’s Vision for Sport and Leisure 2025 to 2030, which recognises the important role that sport and leisure play in improving physical and mental health, bringing communities together and reducing inequalities.
 
Projects must show clear local need, strong community involvement and measurable results. This could include increasing participation in physical activity, improving access to facilities, or creating more opportunities for people who face barriers to getting involved.
 
The fund also encourages projects that support sustainability. Applicants are asked to consider how their plans can reduce environmental impact and support greener ways of working.
 
Cllr Michael Moran, Leader of Rugby Borough Council “Through the Love Rugby Wellbeing Fund, the council aims to invest in our local clubs and organisations to expand access and get as many people as possible in the Borough engaged in sport and healthy community activities.
 
“Whether it is a traditional sport like rugby or football or yoga for pensioners in their Village Hall it is so important for everyone's physical and mental health. "
 
Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, Leader of the Rugby Borough Council Liberal Democrat Group, said: “This fund is about supporting the amazing work already happening in our communities and helping it go even further.
 
“Local groups know their communities best, and this funding gives them the chance to grow their ideas, reach more people and make a real difference to health and wellbeing across the borough.”
 
Applications will open in mid-April 2026 and close on 31 July 2026. Successful projects will be announced in September 2026 and delivered over six months, up to March 2027.
 
Further information about the Love Rugby Wellbeing Fund, including how to apply, will be available at www.rugby.gov.uk/loverugby.