Groundwork – Grassroots Grants

Objectives of Fund

This fund aims to support flexible, unrestricted grants for small grassroots organisations that are working to make a positive difference in local communities, particularly those working to support marginalised or vulnerable groups.

Value Notes

Unrestricted grants of between £500 and £2,000 are available.

Who Can Apply

Small, local, constituted voluntary and community organisations, including registered charities, with an annual income of less than £25,000 in the last financial year can apply.

Community interest companies (CICs) can apply if they have been in operating for two years with an asset lock (schedule one and two only).

Priority will be given to organisations that meet the following criteria:

· Funding is for work in communities that rank as being within the top 15% on the English Indices of Deprivation.

· Organisations that work with and support communities that are classed as marginalised or vulnerable.

Applicants must provide a copy of their governing document.

Restrictions

The following are not eligible for funding:

· Individuals.

· Community interest companies (CICs) that are less than two years old.

· Schedule three CICs.

· For-profit organisations.

· Non-constituted organisations.

· Local authorities.

· Parish/town councils.

· Schools, academies, nurseries, and preschools.

· Parent teacher associations (PTAs) and friends of PTA organisations.

· Colleges/universities.

· Organisations with solely religious objects in their governing document.

· Retrospective costs.

· Political donations.

· Fundraising activities or challenges.

· Activities that collect funds for redistribution to other charities or individuals.

· Overseas appeals.

· Expeditions or overseas travel.

· Promotion of a religious or political cause.

· Activities that the state has a legal obligation to provide.

· Payment of loans, fines, or penalties.

· Funding being allocated to the organisation’s reserves.

· Medical research, clinical treatment, medical staff in a clinical setting where the diagnosis and/or prescribing of clinical advice or medication is taking place, and medical equipment.

· Animal welfare. However, applications involving animals that focus on the human element, such as therapy animals, may be considered.

Eligible Expenditure

Funding is to support the work of groups that provide vital services in their local communities, such as:

· Access to food or basic essentials.

· Improvements to local greenspace.

· Cultural, support, or wellbeing activities.

· Volunteering opportunities to improve the local environment or support other people.

Grants are unrestricted, and can be used flexibly for costs such as:

· Paying staff or volunteer expenses.

· Costs for equipment or materials.

· Core, ongoing running costs of the organisation, such as rent, utilities, and other general running costs.

· Training for staff and volunteers.

· Consultant time to help develop the organisation or key policies.