Reading Integration Board (RIB) – Project Fund 2026/27 – Better Care Fund

Applications for this funding are now open

The awards from the fund can reach up to £15,000, and more in some circumstances.

Applications are invited from charitable and voluntary organisations, community groups and health care providers.

Projects and programmes should help reduce health and social inequalities for adults, with a particular focus on neighbourhood working, preventing cardiovascular disease and supporting wellbeing of people at higher risk of poor health outcomes. This may include one-off sessions, a series of events, setting up a new project, providing ongoing support, or expanding existing community activity. Proposals should aim to improve adult wellbeing, support people living with or at risk of long-term conditions, and reach residents in the most deprived neighbourhoods and communities.

Projects should prioritise people and communities most affected by inequalities, including older people, people with long-term health conditions, dementia or disabilities, and adults at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Funding should support practical, community-based action that helps people access the right support earlier, build confidence and independence, and live well in vibrant, connected neighbourhoods. More information about the guidelines is below.

The deadline for applications is midnight on Friday 21 August 2026. Links to the application template and supporting documents below.

We will notify all applicants of receipt of their application by return email and of the outcome of their application by the end of September 2026.

If you have any queries please contact Bev Nicholson, Integration Programme Manager, email: beverley.nicholson@reading.gov.uk / Tel: 07812 461464. Please submit your completed application form to Chrissie Pellow, Integration Project Support Officer.  Email: christine.pellow@reading.gov.uk by midnight on 21 August 2026.

Reading Integration Board (RIB) project grant guidance 2026-27
Reading Integration Board application template
Scoring matrix

Background information

Reading Borough Council has identified a Project Fund, as one of the Better Care Fund schemes, managed by the Reading Integration Board, and will be made available to fund key priority projects for adults to support the Reading Integration Board programme of Work.

The Integration Board programme of work is focused on development of integrated neighbourhood working, to prevent avoidable long-term conditions, build strong support networks and healthy environments to improve health and wellbeing outcomes.