Community groups invited to apply for Tour de France Grand Départ Legacy Fund

Article date: 11 November 2026

Applications are now open for a new community fund aimed at supporting cycling-related projects in the build up to and beyond the city region hosting the world's biggest free sporting event next year.

Culture Liverpool is inviting proposals through the Liverpool City Region Major Sports Small Grants Programme: Tour de France Grand Départ Community Legacy Fund, which will provide grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 to help local organisations deliver inclusive, accessible and sustainable projects connected to cycling.

The legacy fund, which has been created by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, St Helens Borough Council, Knowsley Council and Liverpool City Council, forms part of the social impact programme surrounding the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ, which will see Liverpool City Region host the finish of the men's Stage 2 on Saturday, 3 July.

Councillor George Woodward, Leader of St Helens Borough Council, said: "We are very much looking forward to welcoming the Tour de France to St Helens and being part of such a prestigious global sporting event.

"This funding presents a fantastic opportunity for community groups to develop projects that encourage even more people to get involved in cycling, which can lead to a boost for health and wellbeing.

"We want the benefits of hosting the Tour de France to extend far beyond race day itself, and this legacy fund will help ensure the event leaves a positive and lasting impact on our borough for many years to come."

The Combined Authority is also currently working with local authorities in the City Region to deliver a high-quality, 600 km active travel network.  

Community cycling groups, affiliated cycling clubs, charities, arts and cultural organisations, community interest companies (CICs), voluntary organisations and neighbourhood groups are all encouraged to apply.

Projects can focus on expanding existing programmes, creating new cycling opportunities, reaching underrepresented communities, developing volunteers and local leaders, or building stronger networks that help more people participate in cycling. Organisations that use sport, culture, creativity, health, youth work or community development to engage communities are also encouraged to apply.

The legacy fund is designed to ensure that the impact of hosting one of the world's most iconic sporting events is felt long before the race arrives and continues long afterwards, helping to make cycling more accessible and representative of the communities it serves.

Successful projects will contribute to one or more key objectives, including increasing participation among underrepresented groups, strengthening community organisations, developing volunteers and ride leaders, creating stronger community connections and delivering long-term benefits beyond the funding period.

• Projects must be delivered between March 2027 and March 2028 and should demonstrate a clear link to cycling and the legacy opportunities created by the Tour de France Grand Départ.

• Applications are now open aand close on Tuesday 1 December 2026. Successful applicants will be notified during the week commencing 4 January 2027.

• Applications should be submitted via this form 

For St Helens specific updates regarding the Tour de France, visit:www.sthelens.gov.uk/tourdefrance