Information from: Community Foundation for Staffordshire
Let's Celebrate SOT 100! Centenary Community Grants
Stoke-on-Trent is turning 100! In 2025, we’ll celebrate a century since the city received its well-deserved status, honouring the rich history, vibrant culture, and unique identity that have made Stoke-on-Trent a global name. This year-long celebration isn’t just about looking back. We’ll be recognising the impact of our people and products on the world stage, while also setting our sights on the exciting years to come.
Stoke-on-Trent Centenary celebrations are for everyone who calls Stoke-on-Trent home. Whether you’ve always lived here, were born here and moved away or recently made Stoke-on-Trent your home.
In support of this year of celebration, the ‘Let’s Celebrate: SOT 100 Community Grants Fund’ has been launched to support voluntary and community groups in delivering events and activities that celebrate Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary. This fund aims to bring communities together, create lasting memories, and leave a meaningful legacy for future generations.
The programme welcomes both new and existing projects, provided they align with the centenary celebrations and are completed by the end of 2025. Grants of between £500 and £3000 are available for a wide range of initiatives, including:
- Community Events – Bringing people together in celebration.
- Arts, Culture & Heritage Projects – Showcasing the city’s rich history and creativity.
- Environmental Activities – Enhancing local spaces and promoting sustainability.
- Youth Engagement – Encouraging children and young people to take part.
- Health & Wellbeing Initiatives – Promoting active lifestyles and community wellbeing.
The fund encourages innovative and inclusive projects that reflect the spirit of Stoke-on-Trent, ensuring a vibrant and memorable centenary year for all.
The project should celebrate at least one of the Stoke City Council Centenary themes:
- Civic – Recognising the city’s civic life
- Children and young people – Celebrating the city’s children and young people
- Culture – Honouring the city’s culture (in all its diversity)
- Heritage – Celebrating the city’s rich heritage (all the diverse stories)
- Community – Recognising the city’s community spirit
- Environment – Acknowledging the city’s relationship with the environment
- Futures – Looking to the future and the city’s exciting years ahead