Physical activity grants pilot launches for marginalised communities

The grants will focus on a range of demographics and targeted areas where the Parkinson's community are underrepresented in physical activity provision or exercise classes. We also aim to deliver more innovative exercise, wellbeing and physical activity projects in targeted areas across the UK.

The new pilot project will run in conjunction with our established physical activity grants which have delivered more than £700,000 in funding to over 200 providers since their launch in 2021.

Applications are open from Monday 2 June to Sunday 10 August 2025.

Who can apply?

Funding up to £3,000 is available for any social groups which include people living with Parkinson's, or have a connection to the condition:

• Global majority (including all those who are previously categorised as ethnic minorities).
• People with disabilities, this can be either a physical, neurodiverse or a hidden disability.
• From a low socio-economic background.
• People from the LGBTQIA+ community.
• People from Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant communities
• Anyone that identifies as a woman.

The following community groups and organisations that support the Parkinson's community are also eligible to apply: 

• Community-based not-for-profit organisations (including charities, community interest companies, and constituted community groups, excluding Parkinson's UK Local groups or branches). 
• Community amateur sports clubs, community benefit societies and co-operatives, and social enterprises. Funding can be offered for exercise classes, consultation with the Parkinson's community or towards engagement events.

Roma Hashim, Physical Activity Grants Manager at Parkinson's UK, said:

"We're really excited about launching the Physical Activity Grants for Marginalised Communities pilot programme this year. The Physical Activity Grants Programme was established to support the Parkinson's community and the leisure industry to develop and deliver opportunities to be active at a local and regional level. 

"However, we've since recognised that there is an increasing number of people from marginalised communities getting a Parkinson's diagnosis who have limited access to support groups or programmes. 

"Every grant aims to support people with Parkinson's from marginalised communities to engage in physical activity, to improve their wellbeing. Their insights will also help us understand their needs and shape the future development of exercise and physical activity from Parkinson's UK."