The 163 arts and community groups to benefit from £1.25m Commonwealth Games funding

More than 160 community and arts groups are to be given grants of up to £10,000 each from a new £1.25 million funding pot linked to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

A poetry showcase, a cycling accessibility charity and an urban wild space for children are among those to benefit from the expanded Glasgow 2026 Festival Fund, which was trialled last year, attracting more than 400 applications.

The Glasgow 2026 Festival will be a celebration of sport, culture and community in the lead up to and during the 2026 Games, which is set to be the biggest sporting event in the UK this year.

The fund is providing the 163 grants to ensure a city-wide programme of community-led events, performances, sports participation and cultural activities, designed to celebrate Glasgow’s creativity and communities.

A full list of beneficiaries is available here.

The funded community groups, artists, cultural organisations, sports clubs, creatives and social enterprises will deliver projects aligning with at least one of the festival’s three themes - gathering, social justice and celebration - with the aim of increasing participation in arts, culture and sport, while creating lasting community impact.

The festival will feature a programme of creative projects, family friendly events and community activities across the city.

Phil Batty, chief executive of Glasgow 2026, said: “The response from communities across the city to the Festival Fund is incredible. It brings to life the magnitude of enthusiasm and local support for the Games returning to Glasgow.”

Members of community groups which will benefit from the Glasgow 2026 Festival Fund. | Glasgow 2026

He added: “Major sporting events can spark inspiration and joy when co-created with the grassroots organisations that work in Glasgow’s communities every day. The 163 local projects announced today demonstrate that when you trust artists, sports clubs and community groups to deliver engagement they will rise to the opportunity.”

The expansion of the fund has come with support from Glasgow 2026, Commonwealth Sport, the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and sportscotland.

Scottish Government health secretary Neil Gray said: “Glasgow 2026 offers the opportunity to showcase the very best of the city and Scotland, as it hosts high performance athletes on a global stage. It will also provide benefits that extend far beyond the Games.

“The Festival Fund will be a clear example of that. I’m pleased the Scottish Government can support an initiative that through a range of exciting community-led events, will provide opportunities for Glasgow residents to participate in arts, sports and cultural activities during our fantastic summer of sport.”

Katie Sadleir, Commonwealth Sport chief executive, said: "The Festival Fund ensures the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are felt right across the city, not just in venues, but in the communities that bring the Games to life.

"As part of the wider Festival programme funded by Commonwealth Sport, it will help more people experience the Games on their doorstep and be part of a truly memorable summer for Glasgow.

"We’re hugely grateful to Sport Scotland, Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government for joining us in delivering this Fund and helping bring the spirit of the Games into communities across Glasgow.”

The Commonwealth Games returns to Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August, featuring 10 sports and six Para sports, 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories, in an 11‑day celebration driven by the city’s vibrant spirit.