GrantRadar

Charnwood Borough Council

Charnwood Small Community Grants

Charnwood Borough Council's Small Community Grants give up to £750 to properly constituted voluntary and community sector organisations in Charnwood for running costs, projects lasting up to a year, environmental projects and one-off equipment. Priority goes to work improving the lives, health and wellbeing of vulnerable and disadvantaged people, with particular interest in easing the cost-of-living crisis. It is a fast-track open programme: decisions and payment within 25 working days, open until 6 November 2026 or until funds run out.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
Up to £750
Closes in
19 days left
6 November
Effort
Light
short form, little evidence needed

Who can apply

  • Charities, voluntary and community sector organisations and sports clubs or physical activity groups operating in Charnwood and working with local people, not for private profit
  • They must have a constitution, set of rules or articles and a confirmed legal status (e.g. registered charity, CIO, CIC, amateur sports club, company limited by guarantee), and a bank account in the organisation's name with more than one unrelated, non-cohabiting signatory
  • Membership must be open to the public (age-specific or vulnerable-group restrictions allowed for safety)
  • The maximum of £750 is stated for VCS organisations with income under £20,000
  • CICs must have 12 months' delivery record and a business plan, and must confirm eligibility with the VCS Development Officer before applying
  • National or regional organisations must show local need and no duplication
  • Organisations with a council service level agreement should check eligibility first
  • Reserves are considered
  • Only one small community grant or one community grant per organisation in 2026/27 (plus a Facilities grant)
  • Organisations serving food must be registered as a food business with the council

What it funds

Organisational running costs and projects (up to one year), environmental projects and one-off equipment with community benefit. Eligible operational costs:

  • Contribution to core running costs
  • Meeting increased demand or new need
  • Volunteer recruitment, retention and development
  • Salaries, stationery and utility bills
  • Printing, postage and telephones
  • Starting a new sports club or physical activity group (e.g. cones, bibs, balls, kit bags)

Eligible activity costs: community engagement activities open to the wider community (pop-up information events, health and wellbeing events, community gardening); coach/tutor fees; venue hire; workshops, courses and training (e.g. safeguarding, mental health, first aid, food hygiene); essential equipment, ICT equipment, sports equipment, project materials and furniture.

Applications should meet at least one Corporate Plan aim: Homes and Communities; Environment and Climate Change; Economy and Growth.

What it will not fund

  • Charnwood Borough Council Strategic Partners
  • Statutory bodies, including town and parish councils
  • Statutory funded provision such as health services and educational establishments (PTAs providing extra-curricular activities or equipment for the wider community are eligible)
  • Political organisations
  • Exclusively religious or political activities
  • Private or commercial sector organisations
  • Individuals
  • Retrospective funding for projects already started or taken place, or items already bought
  • Any form of gambling (except small fundraising such as raffles and tombolas)
  • Social trips
  • Refreshments

How to apply

  1. Read the Applicant Guidance Notes and the application form preview
  2. Prepare all answers and supporting documents in advance (drafting in a Word document is suggested)
  3. Complete the online application form in one sitting on a computer using Chrome or Edge, upload documents and submit
  4. Apply at least 25 working days before any planned activity, and before 6 November 2026 or until funds are allocated

The form cannot be saved and times out at midnight; do not use tablets or phones, and avoid special characters in answers.

CICs must contact tina.robinson@charnwood.gov.uk to confirm eligibility before applying.

Help may not be available if you contact the team less than two days before the deadline.

Have ready

  • Governing document (constitution, terms of reference or memorandum and articles) - first-time applicants
  • Latest audited or independently examined accounts, or a 12-month income and expenditure statement for organisations under 12 months old - first-time applicants
  • Two most recent bank statements from all accounts
  • Safeguarding policy
  • Equality and diversity policy
  • Health and safety policy (if you employ five or more staff) - first-time applicants
  • Business plan (CICs) - first-time applicants

Previous Charnwood applicants need only upload bank statements, safeguarding policy and equality and diversity policy.

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