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

Community groups throughout the Liverpool City Region now have the opportunity to establish a lasting legacy connected to the upcoming Tour de France event taking place in the area next year. Starting today, Tuesday 10 November, a new community fund is available to support cycling-focused initiatives leading up to and following the region’s hosting of this globally renowned free sporting occasion in July 2027.

The Liverpool City Region Major Sports Small Grants Programme is inviting applications through the Tour de France Grand Départ Community Legacy Fund. Administered by Culture Liverpool, this fund offers grants ranging from £1,000 to £5,000 to assist local organisations in delivering projects that are inclusive, accessible, and sustainable, all with a focus on cycling. The fund comes through a collaborative effort involving Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Knowsley Council, Liverpool City Council, and St Helens Council, as part of JOY—British Cycling’s social impact initiative tied to the 2027 Grands Départs.

The scheduled 2027 Grands Départs will feature Liverpool City Region as the finish location for the men’s Stage 2 on Saturday, 3 July. Alongside this, the Combined Authority is actively collaborating with local councils to develop an extensive 600 km network dedicated to active travel. Community cycling groups, affiliated clubs, charities, arts and cultural organisations, community interest companies, voluntary groups, and neighbourhood associations are all encouraged to apply. Projects may involve expanding current programs, introducing new cycling opportunities, engaging underrepresented groups, fostering volunteers and local leaders, or strengthening networks to promote wider cycling participation. Efforts that involve sport, culture, creativity, health, youth services, or community development to engage participants are particularly welcomed.

The purpose of the legacy fund is to ensure that the impact of hosting this prestigious international event is experienced well in advance of the race and continues well beyond it, making cycling a more accessible and representative activity for local communities. Liverpool City Council Leader Cllr Liam Robinson remarked, “The Tour de France coming to Liverpool will be an incredible occasion, but it also brings a real opportunity to leave a lasting, positive impact on our people and communities.” He added, “This fund will help local community organisations use cycling as a way to bring people together, improve health and wellbeing, build confidence, and create new opportunities for residents of all ages and backgrounds.” Similarly, Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, stated, “The Tour de France is one of the world’s greatest sporting events… But for me, its greatest legacy will be the impact it leaves on our communities.”

Leaders from other local councils also expressed their support. Cllr Graham Morgan of Knowsley Council highlighted that the event will shine an international spotlight on the region but emphasised that “its positive impact should be felt long after the cyclists have crossed the finish line.” Likewise, St Helens Borough Council Leader Councillor George Woodward welcomed the event and stressed the importance of community engagement through cycling projects that promote health and wellbeing. Liverpool City Region’s Active Travel Commissioner Simon O’Brien reflected on the enthusiasm the event generates, noting the importance of rewarding groups that encourage cycling participation beyond race day.

Projects funded by this scheme need to be executed between March 2027 and March 2028 and must show a direct connection to cycling and the legacy opportunities stemming from the Tour de France Grand Départ. Applications are open from 2 pm on 10 November and close at 11:59 pm on 1 December 2026, with successful applicants being notified in early January 2027. The aim is to support initiatives that increase involvement among underrepresented groups, build up community organisations, cultivate volunteers and ride leaders, strengthen community bonds, and secure long-term benefits beyond the funding period