Grants for physical activity providers
In 2026, we're offering grants of up to £3,000 to support physical activity projects for people with Parkinson’s across the UK.
This year, funding is focused on people who are currently inactive, helping them begin to engage in physical activity and sustain their participation.
To make activities more accessible, we’re also supporting ‘gateway activities’. These are movement‑based sessions that build confidence and encourage interest in becoming more active.
The following types of organisations can apply:
● Occupational Therapist
● Community Interest Company
● Local Authority
● Sole Trader
● Physiotherapist
● NHS
● Commercial Organisation
● Private Sports Club
● Parkinson's UK Local Group
● Charity/Charitable Trust
● Community Ammateur Sports Club
● Constituted Community Group
● NGO/NGB
● Not for Profit organisation
● For profit organisation
We are looking for innovative and new projects that will:
● Support people with Parkinson’s to take part in movement‑based activities that help build their confidence and encourage a growing interest in being physically active and/or
● Support people with Parkinson’s who are currently inactive to begin engaging in physical activity and to maintain ongoing participation
Please note: We will not fund existing provision or provision that is for people with Parkinson’s who are currently active.
Gateway activities
We recognise that some people may find it more difficult to engage in Physical Activity opportunities for a variety of reasons so we have broadened our reach to include ‘Gateway Activities’. These are activities that support people with Parkinson’s to take part in movement‑based activities that help build confidence, and encourage a growing interest in being physically active. This year the grants will be focusing on people with Parkinson’s who are currently inactive, supporting them to begin engaging in physical activity and to maintain ongoing participation. Examples of gateway activities can include:
● Art based activities such as theatrical acting, musical and circus skills
● Singing and movement
● Playing large musical instruments that requires big movements like Samba Drumming
● Gardening or Horticulture projects
What does someone who is currently inactive mean?
When we talk about someone with Parkinson’s who is currently inactive, we mean a person who is not taking part in regular physical activity that supports their health, mobility, or wellbeing. Being ‘inactive’ doesn’t refer to motivation or ability, it simply means that the person is not yet engaging in the recommended levels of movement that can help them live well. People who are currently inactive might:
● Move very little during a typical week or only do light day‑to‑day tasks, with no structured or intentional activity
● Want to be more active but feel unsure where to start or face barriers such as fatigue, pain, balance concerns, anxiety, or lack of suitable opportunities
● Have recently been diagnosed and haven’t yet explored physical activity options or have stopped being active due to changes in symptoms or life circumstances
Projects funded through the Physical Activity Grants programme should be designed to gently support these individuals to begin moving more, build confidence, and develop a positive relationship with physical activity.
Applicants must:
● be based in the UK
● have a business or community bank account as funds cannot be transferred into a personal account. Written confirmation from the chair of a Parkinson’s UK local group confirming that they can hold the funding on your behalf will be considered acceptable
● where applicable, provide evidence of your articles of association and constitution or other relevant governing documents (this doesn’t apply to organisations that are set up for profit)
● ensure that all relevant qualifications are held and insurance is in place prior to the delivery of the project
● Ensure that the target audience for the project is people with Parkinsons/the Parkinson’s community who are not currently active
