Open Call: Community Grant Funding Program (UK)
Section
The Community Grant Funding programme provides vital support for projects that enhance community buildings and outdoor spaces, with a vision of creating healthy environments where people can thrive.
This initiative places strong emphasis on community involvement, inclusivity, sustainability, and the protection of biodiversity, ensuring that funded projects deliver long-lasting benefits for everyone.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate meaningful consultation with current and potential users of the project site, with the outcomes of these discussions shaping the project’s aims. Volunteer engagement is highly valued, and projects are encouraged to create new opportunities for community participation. Trustees also expect proposals to demonstrate inclusivity by making spaces accessible to all, regardless of culture, religion, age, gender, background, or ability.
Sustainability is another key focus, with a requirement that projects contribute toward carbon neutrality and a reduced environmental footprint. Alongside this, projects must show how they will protect and enhance biodiversity, ensuring that no natural habitats are harmed and that positive ecological impact is achieved.
Funding is available for physical improvement works to buildings or outdoor spaces with public access, such as community centres, play areas, sports grounds, nature reserves, and community gardens. Eligible applicant organisations must be charitable, not-for-profit, and formally constituted, with at least two years of establishment. Local authorities may also apply. Grants between £10,000 and £75,000 are available for projects with a maximum total cost of £350,000, provided a 10% contribution to project costs is secured.
To be considered, projects must begin within four months of funding approval and be completed within 12 months. Applications will not be accepted for restricted-use facilities, income-generating projects, or works such as historic building restoration, land purchases, or installations for single user groups. Instead, priority is given to projects that enhance shared community resources and create welcoming, inclusive spaces.
Through this funding, communities have the chance to transform shared environments into vibrant, sustainable, and accessible spaces, ensuring that the benefits extend well beyond the project’s completion.
