GrantRadar

East Cambridgeshire District Council

East Cambridgeshire Community Fund

East Cambridgeshire District Council's small revenue grants of £250 to £1,000 for community groups running new or existing projects that improve quality of life for residents of East Cambridgeshire. Grants cover up to 75% of project costs, so groups must show 25% match funding in cash or in kind. The 2026 application window runs from 23 October to 4 December 2026.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
£250 – £1,000
Deadline
47 days left
4 December
Effort
Moderate
full application with documents

Who can apply

  • Community groups and organisations working in East Cambridgeshire that have a written constitution; a management committee of at least three people (chair, treasurer and secretary); their own bank account requiring two signatories for payments; up-to-date accounts; an Equal Opportunities Policy and, where applicable, a Child Protection Policy; and no more than one year's unrestricted reserves
  • The application form accepts registered charities, unincorporated clubs or associations, community interest companies and companies limited by guarantee; parish councils cannot apply
  • Groups without a constitution or policies can get help from Voluntary and Community Action East Cambridgeshire (info@vcaec.org.uk)
  • Applicants must show 25% of the total project cost as cash or in-kind match funding

What it funds

  • New projects, or developing existing projects, that improve the quality of life for residents in East Cambridgeshire and show how they meet local need, involve and empower local people, ensure equality of access and will be sustained
  • Transferable equipment for the project
  • Examples of past grants: youth group summer activities, a projector for a community cinema, supporting an arts festival

What it will not fund

  • Capital funding for buildings, improvements to land or buildings, and building or buying premises or freehold/leasehold land rights (see the council's Facilities Improvement Grant for capital projects)
  • Groups holding more than one year's running costs as unrestricted reserves
  • Statutory responsibilities (projects that should be funded by a statutory body)
  • Sponsored events
  • Projects promoting political activities, or lobbying for a particular cause or action
  • Deficit or retrospective funding (activities that have already taken place)
  • Sports clubs and sports coaches, except projects or services specifically for people with disabilities or specific chronic health conditions
  • Faith groups promoting religious, non-community based activities
  • Projects outside East Cambridgeshire
  • National or regional charities with no independent office in East Cambridgeshire, unless providing services from a specific location in the district specifically for East Cambridgeshire residents
  • Animal welfare
  • General contributions to large appeals (specific items can be funded)
  • Medical research and equipment
  • Grants for more than one year
  • School projects
  • Minibuses or other vehicles, and overseas travel
  • Parish councils
  • More than one grant per group in a financial year (April to March)

How to apply

  1. Check your group meets the eligibility requirements on the council's page and in the guidance at the front of the application form
  2. Between 23 October 2026 and 4 December 2026, apply online through the council's Self-Service Portal (you must register as an individual first), or complete the paper/PDF application form
  3. Send a paper form and supporting documents to Communities and Partnerships, East Cambridgeshire District Council, The Grange, Nutholt Lane, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4EE, or email communitygrants@eastcambs.gov.uk
  4. If successful, the council contacts you to arrange payment; up to 75% of the grant can be paid upfront
  5. Submit an end-of-project report (evidence of spend, invoices, registers, photographs, user feedback) to receive the remaining grant

applications are only accepted during the application window; for further information call 01353 665555

Have ready

  • Statements of financial activity showing profit and loss, including details of unrestricted reserves
  • Details of the management of the organisation
  • Details confirming other sources of funding (the 25% match)
  • Constitution
  • Equal Opportunities Policy
  • Child Protection Policy, if required by your organisation or project

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