The WRCC can advise on funding sources and provide assistance with grant submissions. We can also put people in touch with other groups and organisations who have taken on similar projects and are willing to share their experiences. If your organisation has enjoyed success with grant funding from an organisation not listed below please contact us so other organisations can also benefit.
A few links to funding sources and free services are listed below:
Get Legal, the free online reference and decision-making tool for charities, social enterprises and co-operative organisations, has been developed to enable organisations and their advisors to access clear information and guidance on the most appropriate legal form and governance structure for delivering their goals.
Act on Energy’s Rural Community Building Energy Saving Project provides advice and some matched funds to improve the energy efficiency of community buildings in Rugby Borough. The purpose of this is to reduce the running costs and carbon emissions from rural community buildings.
The EDF Green Energy Fund awards grants of up to £5,000 for feasibility studies and up to £30,000 to help cover the cost of renewable energy technology that can be used to produce green energy from the sun, wind, water, wood and other renewable sources.
Heart of England Community Foundation provides small grants to improve Coventry and Warwickshire's neighbourhoods and communities.
The Greggs Foundation Regional Grants programme is administered by seven local committees made up of volunteers from Greggs shops, bakeries and offices who use their knowledge of the local area to make grants to support people in need, and prioritises small locally based organisations.
InKind Direct provides a single contact point for companies with goods to donate. They have the infrastructure to accept large quantities of goods and then store, sort and deliver them directly to charities’ doors in response to their needs and demands. For details visit www.inkinddirect.org/about
Every year the Stratford upon Avon Town Trust supports charitable causes which benefit the people who live in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon. There are three grants rounds per year, but applications can be sent in at any time. Grants are restricted to local projects.
Each of Warwick town's Charities aims to offer financial support to various sectors of the Town's inhabitants. 'Warwick Relief in Need' exclusively offers grant aid to the disadvantaged and needy. 'Warwick Apprenticing Charities' offers financial support to the younger generation. 'The King Henry VIII Endowed Trust', 'Warwick Provident' and 'Warwick United Charities' award grants across a broad spectrum; 'The Charity of Sir Thomas White' offers interest-free business loans to young people establishing a business in the Town of Warwick, and interest-free loans to young Warwick residents embarking on University or College courses. 'The Charity of Thomas Oken and Sir Nicholas Eyffler' administers almshouses for qualifying elderly residents. Further details of each of the charities can be found at: www.warwickcharities.org.uk
Governmentfunding.org.uk brings together all the regional, local and national government funding schemes in one place – incredibly time-saving. It also includes independent grant administrators and European sources and keeps you updated on funding rounds coming up.
The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has produced a new publication which sets out the potential funding available to community and voluntary organisations for community green space initiatives. It identifies the different grant schemes open to local groups, green spaces, allotment organisations or trusts, and also where to go to get help when looking for funding.
The Village CORE Programme is a dedicated support programme for communities looking to set up and run a community-owned rural shop. It provides advisory support along with a £40,000 funding package comprised of a £20,000 grant matched with a £20,000 loan which is also matched by the equivalent community contributions.
Charity Bank offers affordable loans to any organisation that is either a registered or exempt charity or where the loan is for a charitable purpose.
BBC Children in Need invites not-for-profit organisations (including registered charities, voluntary organisations, schools, local authorities, churches, social enterprises, community interest groups, universities etc) working with disadvantaged children and young people 18 years and under, to apply for grants of up to £10,000 through their small grants scheme.
E.ON's Sustainable Energy Fund supports community energy projects which either result in the production of energy from a sustainable source or which reduce the amount of energy used by a community organisation, and welcomes applications from organisations that can demonstrate clear community benefits and are committed to introducing sustainable energy projects.
Naturesave Trust provides start up 'seed corn' grants for community renewable energy projects, whatever type of renewable power generation is being considering. The costs involved can be onerous and The Naturesave Trust recognises that many lenders and investors may be reluctant to put money into a project at an early stage as it may or may not get past the planning stage. We are keen to help communities that do not have the initial start up capital to undertake all the preliminary work to get to the planning stage and most importantly for the community to retain as much control as possible over the operating income once the project has been successful.
Orbit Heart of England Community Investment welcomes applications from community groups, voluntary organisations and charities for grants of up to £10,000 per project from an overall fund of £100,000 for this financial year. To qualify for this funding your project must benefit Orbit Heart of England residents within their community.
The Coalfields Regeneration Trust offers grants and is actively involved in supporting projects on the ground in coalfield communities within the CRT's most deprived areas.
Giving World Online works with companies who have surplus goods to dispose of. Charities and community groups can then access the items free of charge to support the people they work with.
The Esmee Fairbairn Charitable Trust will fund the preservation of buildings of historic or architectural value where these are put to public use. Grants are available towards capital, revenue or project expenditure.
The Percy Bilton Charity offers grants to UK registered charities, whose primary objectives are to assist one or more of the following groups: disadvantaged and underprivileged young people (aged under 25); people with disabilities (including physical or learning disabilities or mental health problems); people aged over 60.
CSW Sport Physical Activity Small Grants Sheme has funding of £200-£2000, which is available for a variety of projects that contribute towards getting people more physically active in the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire areas.
The Archer Trust provides grants between £250 and £3,000 if you provide aid or support to a defined group of needy or deserving people, for instance those with physical or mental disabilities or the disadvantaged.
The Community Builders Fund combines grants, loans and mentoring, and is aimed at ‘multi-purpose, inclusive, community-led organisations’. It is split into three sections: development, feasibility and investment, of which the feasibility section is likely to be the most promising for community buildings. Most grants are in the range of £10,000 to £20,000. You can apply for support around issues like feasibility studies, planning applications, business development and professional fees.
Arts Development Grants are available to arts and heritage organisations within Warwick District for any amount up to £2,500.
Links Foundation provides funding to a wide range of community based organisations across Britain. We fund new or existing projects and can help meet costs such as salary, rent and stationery as well as capital costs. We do not, however, fund individuals or core costs.
Crimebeat works with youngsters in Warwickshire to help reduce crime and the fear of crime, and to encourage safer communities.
Laura Ashley Foundation awards funding to charities and community groups for worthwhile projects that fit with the family ethos of protecting rural communities and encouraging participation in the arts, particularly textiles. It is keen to fund good small scale arts projects. There is no limit on the amount that can be awarded, however, preference is given to requests for £10,000 or less.
Church Urban Fund has an annual grant-making budget of around £1 million. Grants are awarded to community groups offering all kinds of support to people living in England's poorest communities. CUF particularly supports churches in deprived areas reaching out to serve their local community, but also welcomes applications from other faith groups.
South Warwickshire Funding Development Network (SWFDN) is an informal group of 'experts' which includes local Funders and Development Workers across Warwick and Stratford Districts. SWFDN meets bi-monthly to discuss Voluntary and Community Sector groups' and organisations' funding and group development needs, and then allocates one worker to provide the help and advice.
The North Warwickshire Area Committee Small Grant Scheme 2010/11 is aimed at small and emerging community/voluntary groups based in North Warwickshire. Funding of up to £500 available to help groups set up. For details, contact Rod Parker on 01827 720416.
Does your heritage/history group want to engage local youngsters? Young Roots is a grant programme designed to engage young people aged 13-25 with their heritage. Young Roots projects stem directly from the interest and ideas of young people, who are supported by youth and heritage organisations to develop skills, build confidence, and connect with their local communities.
Biffaward community grants for projects that provide or improve community spaces, cultural facilities and places for outdoor recreation.
Awards For All England is a simple small grants scheme making awards of between £300 and £10,000 for a specific project or activity by community or not for profit groups. The programme aims to help improve local communities and the lives of people most in need.
The Foyle Foundation Small Grants Scheme is designed to support smaller charities in the UK, especially those working at grass roots and local community level, in any field, across a wide range of activities, and makes one year grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 to charities which can demonstrate that such a grant will make a significant difference to their work.
Cash 4 Clubs is a sports fund aiming to support grassroots sports clubs all over the country. Any sports club that is registered with its sports' National Governing body or local authority can apply for grants between £250 and £1000. Clubs are welcome to apply at any time as there are no deadlines for submitting applications, and they will be considered at the next committee panel meeting.
The Your Heritage programme offers grants between £3000 and £50,000 inclusive for projects that relate to the local, regional or national heritage of the UK (except the Channel Islands and Isle of Man). We welcome applications that help people to learn about, look after and celebrate heritage in a fun and enjoyable way.
The Asda Foundation is a charitable company to support local good causes chosen by our colleagues, and is funded by profits from the mid–week national lottery. We see the Asda foundation as one of the many ways to give something back to the communities that support us. That’s why we lend a hand to the wide range of good causes with which our colleagues are involved – including everything from local charities and playgroups to football teams.
The Asda Foundation is primarily for colleagues who have already raised money for their chosen cause through their store or depot, and require additional support. Under Asda Foundation’s terms, we will assist any charity in the UK, as well as people and projects who require financial assistance, providing they have the support of local Asda colleagues.
SITA Trust runs three funding programmes and supports hundreds of community and environmental improvement projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.
Volunteers working with Media Trust provide thousands of hours of hugely valuable media support on almost anything from looking over a press release or getting your website ranking higher online, to mentoring disadvantaged young people on media projects. With hundreds of media professionals signed up as advisers, you can get valuable advice on a wide range of media and communications services including PR, marketing, web, branding and design.
The King Henry VIII Endowed Trust can make grants for the following purposes if for the benefit of the inhabitants of Warwick town: For the repair of historic buildings in the Town; For the relief of the elderly, infirm and needy inhabitants of the Town; For the improvement of social welfare, recreation and leisure facilities of the Town; For the support of educational facilities within the Town.
The Wates Foundation aims to alleviate conditions of distress, deprivation and disadvantage that lead to social exclusion by funding charitable work across a broad range of social priorities that will bring about positive change. The five programme areas are: building family values; community health, safer communities, sustaining the environment, strengthening the charitable & voluntary sectors.
The James Kenning Public Purposes Charity has limited funds to donate to small charities within the Borough of Rugby and exists to provide funds for any public purpose for which there is no public funding. However, this must be for the benefit of the public rather than individuals. Grants are limited to £250 per application.
Co-operative Community Fund small grants are available to local voluntary community and self-help groups operating throughout the UK. Co-op members are responsible for allocating the funds. Equipment, event costs, rent or fixtures, sport or computer equipment are all eligible costs, with grants range from £100 to £2,000. This fund is open to voluntary, community and self-help groups. Applications are accepted at any time.
The Green Communities Bursary is a flexible grant which can cover travel costs, events or the purchase of equipment that will progress your energy saving project. You can apply for up to £200 though it is only available to organisations with an annual income of less than £75,000 per year, where no other sources of suitable funding are available.
The Trusthouse Charitable Foundation has grants of up to £10,000 available for running, project & salary costs to charitable organisation with an annual income under £300,000. This may help community groups implement actions that arise from Community Led Planning (parish plans).
Lush Charity Pot funding helps to look after those who look after others and are committed to supporting small, grassroots charities, non-violent direct action groups and other good causes, and particularly look for projects that create change and aim to get to the route of a problem.
Through the B&Q OPL Grant Scheme schools, community groups and charitable organisations can apply to their local B&Q store for funding to support a local community project.
CREATE's Community Fund is open to all projects that seek to benefit their local community. Grants will be available to encourage, support and develop projects that assist people within their local community who are suffering hardship or distress; or who are aged or sick.
Planning Aid provides free, independent and professional help, advice and support on planning issues to people and communities who cannot afford to hire a planning consultant. Planning Aid complements the work of local authorities but is wholly independent of them.
With the exception of animal welfare charities, the Garfield Weston Foundation supports a wide range of organisations across the UK and the Trustees do not consider one area to be of higher priority than another. The Foundation does not fund individual salaries and positions but will consider making grants towards general / core running costs. The Trustees aim to be as responsive as possible and therefore the decision on what to apply for should depend on the priorities of your organisation.
The John Paul Getty Jnr Charitable Trust awards grants for arts and heritage, and for work to alleviate poverty and overcome disadvantage. The trust is also interested in projects which make effective use of volunteers.
Community Spaces is a £50 million open grants programme that helps community groups create or improve green and open spaces so that the quality of life in neighbourhoods across England is enhanced.
If your community is close to a landfill site your project may qualify for funding from the Landfill Communities Fund.
Ruberoid's 'Fix That Hut' campaign seeks out needy projects such as village halls, scout huts and other buildings which are at the heart of local communities and provides materials free-of-charge to help with refurbishment.
Does your parish have a project involving greater outreach into the community for which it is seeking support? The Church and Community Fund grants seek to take the church out into the community, bring the community into the church and strengthen the relationship between the two.
The Tesco Charity Trust Community Awards Scheme provides one-off donations of between £500 and £4,000 to local projects that support children and their education and welfare, elderly people and adults and children with disabilities
BT Community Connections is an award scheme which enables community and charitable organisations to get online and make use of information and communications technology (ICT). Organisations working in any field of community benefit can apply for a laptop and a year's free broadband connection. There are more than 1,000 award packages available to groups who can demonstrate how an award will benefit their work and the local community.
Charity Property Help is a pro bono service provided by RICS designed to assist charities and voluntary organisations, by providing free support and guidance on all property matters in the UK.
The Glass-House supports and encourages working partnerships between communities and professionals who are working together to improve the quality of a neighbourhood. The Glass-House offers design advice, training and project support to projects focusing on neighbourhoods, housing, public space, community buildings, play areas & facilities for young people.
Warwickshire County Council works in partnership with The Coventry & Warwickshire Re-investment Trust as a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) and manages a loan fund available for a wide variety of applications and organizations throughout Coventry and Warwickshire.
If you operate in Warwick District and have a project which is of benefit to the community, a Community Forum Grant might help to get your idea off the ground! Please note, each Community Forum has its own priorities and application deadline dates. For information on when and where a particular forum is being held visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk/communityforums. For further information on eligibility and decision dates contact Bernadette Allen on 01926 456020 or Jane Coates 01926 456103.
Community Voices aims to engage, inspire and empower communities who feel disadvantaged or isolated with the confidence, skills and access to resources and funding that will enable them to find their voice and make it heard using digital media.
Arts on our Doorstep provides professional advice, practical support and resources up to the value of £5,000 for small arts projects across the rural areas of Warwick District and Rugby Borough. For more information visit www.warwickshireleader.net/artsonourdoorstep
Only Connect is a visit scheme that enables you to visit another voluntary and community organisation (VCO) to learn about their experience and the key issues to consider when generating earned income. Apply for £150 for your time and travel to visit another organisation who are already trading goods or services.
LawWorks is a charity which aims to provide free legal help to individuals and community groups who cannot afford to pay for it and who are unable to access legal aid.
The Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) provides information and advice for people and organisations who are seeking funding from charitable trusts and foundations, including free downloadable factsheets and guides.
The Henry Smith Charity is a large grant making charity, making grants totalling approximately £25 million each year to up to 1,000 organisations and charities for initiatives and projects that address social inequality and economic disadvantage.
Tudor Trust is a large grant-making trust that supports a range of activities across the UK. The trust receives many more applications that it can support so please contact them first to discuss your ideas. They aim to support work which addresses the social, emotional and financial needs of people at the margins of our society, and are particularly interested in helping smaller, under-resourced organisations which offer direct services and which involve the people they work with in their planning.
The Heart of England Co-operative Society recognises the need to support the local communities through which it has grown and, wherever possible, set the right example for others to follow. Operating under the award winning banner of "Helping Hearts", awards are made to local charities, schools, self help groups and other similar organisations including environmental projects or other community schemes, which must be based, or operating, in the Society's trading area.
Grants of between £300 and £10,000 are available for revenue and small capital projects from Sport England's Small Grant Scheme . The total project costs must not exceed £50,000 and application is via a single-stage online form. They offer advice and support to applicants and the whole process, from receipt of application to decision, will take no longer than six weeks.
The Margaret Foundation gives grants towards older people’s activities. Groups can send an application letter to the Margaret Foundation, Royal Bank of Canada Trust Corporation Ltd, 71 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4DE. Telephone 020 7653 4756 or email anita.carter@rbc.com.
The Age Concern Small Grants programme offers grants of up to £1,000 towards new or expanding services or activities which directly benefit older people. Application forms are available from the Grants Helpline on 0208 765 7738. For more information contact The Grants Unit, Age Concern England, Astral House, 1268 London Road, London, SW16 4ER, telephone 020 8765 7738 or email grants.unit@ace.org.uk.
The Lloyds TSB Foundation focuses on supporting small and medium community groups and charities whose work is to help disadvantaged people play a greater role in their community. Capital projects are not considered.
Funding Central recognises that seeking funding and finance can be both daunting and time-consuming. To make this journey easier Funding Central has developed two intuitive and supportive search pathways tailored to your individual fundraising experience and crafted to ensure that the best possible matches are returned.
Organisations and links correct as at March 2011.