You can subscribe to a number of e-bulletins that will alert you to external funding and 
other resources, which could enable your branch to achieve something special. You will need to spend a little time creating your ‘profile’, so that they only send you information you can actually use – but it’s worth it. Get in touch with Fiona Cowan at the regional group if you’d like some free assistance with that. updated Summer 2016
- From October 2016 the Greggs Foundation welcomes applications for Local Community Projects Fund. The Greggs Foundation is currently accepting applications to its Local Community Projects Fund from not-for-profit organisations across Great Britain. Not-for-profit organisations in England, Scotland or Wales can apply for grants of up to £2,000 for projects and providing equipment for people in need at the heart of local communities. October 2016
- And at the same time Greggs Foundation’s Environmental Grants are open to applications. The Greggs Foundation is currently accepting applications from not-for-profit organisations and schools in Great Britain that are seeking funding for an environmental project. The Greggs Foundation uses the money raised from the 5p levy on carrier bag sales in Greggs shops to provide grants to small not-for-profit organisations and schools in Great Britain for projects that make a difference to local areas. October 2016
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September 2016 saw the launch of the Community Business Bright Ideas Fund, a grant programme to help communities develop their budding community business ideas. The £1.85 million fund will offer community groups tailored support and grants of up to £20,000 to develop their ideas for a community business. Register and be the first to receive the eligibility criteria and guidance when it’s released, direct to your inbox. REGISTER HERE September 2016
- The National Lottery has launched a brand new fund called Celebrate! which aims to help communities get together just for the fun of it. It will give between £300 and £10,000 for projects which bring communities together in celebration – whether for a local celebration or to link in with a national one, such as the Queen’s birthday. Community organisations, statutory bodies and schools can all apply. The application is only 10 pages (believe me, that’s short!) and you should have a decision in 10 weeks. Awards are given on a first-come, first-served basis, until the £3.875m allocated to England runs out. updated Summer 2016
- Central England Co-operative Community Funds
Grants ranging from £100 to £5000 are available to local community groups across Central England Co-operative’s trading area. Applicants must have been a Central England Co-op member for at least six months. Use the link above to see if your project might qualify. updated February 2016 - j4bCommunity Funding provides information on over 3,000 grants dedicated to the voluntary and community sector. updated January 2016
- MyCommunity is the portal for community rights information and grant programmes funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government. updated January 2016
- National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has a free-to-advertise service to help member organisations recruit Trustees and management committee members. updated January 2016
- NCVO also sends a weekly bulletin called FundingCentral about funding which you can tailor to your needs. The government has withdrawn funding for this service now but if your organisation’s income is small enough you may still qualify for a FREE subscription. updated January 2016
- Rural Opportunities is a monthly bulletin facilitated by (free) membership of the Rural Services Network highlighting a selection of current funding, consultation and other opportunities. updated 26/1/16
Some bulletins – and some funds – are tailored to a specific geographical area.
- Community Foundations – search for the Community Foundation that works in your updated January 2016
Here’s a 2016 summary of Northamptonshire Community Foundation funds to give you a flavour of what could be available locally to you. - Leicestershire 4 Community updated January 2016
- Lincolnshire 4 Community updated January 2016
- Northamptonshire 4 Community updated January 2016
- Nottinghamshire 4 Community updated January 2016
- Ford Britain Trust
Small and large grants are available to not-for-profit organisations and schools in areas near Ford Motor Company UK operations including Daventry for projects that benefit the local community. Special attention is paid to projects focusing on education, environment, children, the disabled, youth activities and projects that provide clear benefits to the local communities close to Ford Daventry’s UK locations. The Ford Britain Trust is open to all, provided that the qualifying organisations meet the Trust’s selection criteria.
There are two types of grants to apply for:
* Small grants for amounts up to £250. Application deadlines: 1st March, 1st June, 1st September and 1st November.
* Large grants for amounts over £250 and usually up to a maximum of £3,000. Large grants are considered by the Trustees twice a year. The application date for the first tranche of funding was in January 2016 – keep checking the Ford Britain Website for the deadline for the second round of applications. updated February 2016
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