1. Local funding sources
Comic Relief Local Community Grants
There are still many communities in the UK that suffer from economic and social deprivation and the current economic climate may make this situation worse.
For this reason, Comic Relief has decided that £4.5 million should be available to fund projects across the UK which are addressing these issues through the ‘Local Communities’ programme.
Comic Relief is pleased to be working with UK Community Foundations and Community Foundations across the UK, to deliver this Local Communities programme. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation is one of the delivery partners.
The Local Communities programme will run for two years and during this time, grants of between £1000 and £10,000 will be available.
The programme aims to empower local people enabling them to create lasting change in their communities. Projects should be run by people directly affected by the issues they are dealing with and priority will be given to small, locally based groups or organisations in areas of disadvantage that have a clear understanding of the needs of their community.
http://www.comicrelief.com/our-grants
Hampshire County Council Culture and Community Activity Grants
The purpose of the Culture and Community Activity Grants is to provide general support to groups and organisations which encourage and provide opportunities for individuals and communities within Hampshire to participate in community-focused, cultural and recreational activities.
http://www3.hants.gov.uk/grants/ccbs-grants/culture-community-activity-grants.htm
Hampshire County Council Adult Services Grants
There are two main grant streams available through the Adult Services department. The main Adult Services grant to Voluntary and Community organisations and the Learning Disabilities grants programme. Both programmes run on an annual cycle, April to April.
Both grant programmes fund projects and proposals which support the objectives of the Adult Services Department:
- Maximising independence and inclusion
- Right support in the right place at the right time for users
- Vulnerable people are protected
- Delivering a high quality, cost effective service to the vulnerable people of Hampshire.
Further information can be obtained on the HCC website:
http://www3.hants.gov.uk/grants/adult-services-grants.htm
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation
Specialises in awarding grants to smaller, lesser known charities and community groups who offer support, services and activities that make a difference to local people’s lives.
Southampton City Council Funding Bulletins
Southampton City Council provide a very useful monthly funding bulletin, available on their web site or by email. This covers national as well as local funding opportunities.
http://www.southampton.gov.uk/people-places/grants-funding/funding-newsletters.aspx
Tudor Trust
The Tudor Trust is an independent grant-making trust which supports voluntary and community groups working in any part of the UK.
Further information from http://tudortrust.org.uk/
SO18 Big Local Programme
The SO18 Big Local programme is a small grants programme in the SO18 area, which covers Harefield, Midanbury and Townhill Park and will give local community groups and organisations an opportunity to apply for funding for local activities, projects and events that will benefit residents within the area. Community groups, schools and voluntary organisations currently working in the area may all be eligible to apply for support.
For more information contact the Big Local team on 07528 338 104 or visit their website: http://www.so18biglocal.org.uk/
2. National funding sources
Big Lottery Fund UK
The Big Lottery Fund is one of the largest sources of funding in the UK, with grants from £300 to over £500,000 to organisations ranging from small local groups to major national charities.
http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/funding
Funding Central
Funding Central is managed by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations in partnership with Idox Information Solutions Ltd and is funded by the Office for Civil Society. It covers national funding and finance opportunities for voluntary and community organisations operating in England from European, national, regional and local government and charitable sources.
http://www.fundingcentral.org.uk/Page.aspx?SP=6063
Charity Bank
Charity Bank finances social enterprises, charities and community organisations, with the support of depositors and investors who want to use their money to facilitate real social change, while earning a financial return.
GovernmentFunding.Org.UK
Details over £2 billion of local, regional, national and European funding sources.
The database can be searched by type of grant (e.g. small grants, loans, contracts etc).
There is an option to set up email alerts that provide notification of funding rounds before they open, and information on new and updated grant schemes.
http://www.governmentfunding.org.uk/Default.aspx
The People’s Millions
The People’s Millions is a partnership between Big Lottery Fund and ITV, where the public help decide which local community projects get up to £50,000 of Lottery funding.
http://www.peoplesmillions.org.uk/
People’s Postcode Trust
The People’s Postcode Trust runs a small grants programme for projects of up to six months in length, ranging from £500 up to £10,000 to registered charities, community and voluntary groups, community interest companies and other not-for-profit organisations.
There are four funding rounds per year on a regional basis.
http://grants.postcodetrust.org.uk/
3. Funding sources for specific user groups
Funding for LGBT Organisations
The Consortium of LGBT Voluntary and Community Organisations has produced a LGBT funder finder, which can used to search for non-statutory funders who have a history of funding LGBT services. For more information go to: http://www.lgbtconsortium.org.uk/funder-finder
4. Funding sources for Social Enterprises
Community Development Finance Association
The CDFA exists to create a thriving community finance industry, which brings social and financial benefits to neighbourhoods across the UK. The Association’s members lend money to people, businesses and social enterprises who struggle to get finance from high street banks.
UnLtd
UnLtd is a leading provider of support to social entrepreneurs in the UK and offers access to finance through its core Awards programme. UnLtd operates by investing directly in individuals and offering a complete package of resources; from Awards of funding, to ongoing advice, networking and practical support.
Social Enterprise UK
The national body for social enterprise, providing a range of advice and support to members, including advice on finance. Social Enterprise Uk also runs a Social Investment and Finance Programme, which aims to improve investment readiness, as well as understanding of social investment and finance.