Rowntree's Free the Fund Community Grant
Grants are available to not-for-profit organisations in the UK and Ireland for community projects supporting adult wellbeing through creating better places, improving prospects or bringing about positive change.
Background
The Free the Fund Community Grant programme is provided by Rowntree Sweets (a division of Nestlé) and administered by Groundwork.
Objectives of Fund
The aim of the funding is to support the hosting of summer activities in the local community for people aged between 21 and 65 years old.
Eligible projects ideas include transforming an outdoor space or community garden, running a summer art festival or purchasing sports, arts, theatre or music equipment.
Value Notes
Four grants of up to £10,000 are available.
Projects must be delivered by 30 September 2026.
Who Can Apply
Applications are open to:
Registered charities.
Social Enterprises.
Not-for-profit organisations.
Hospices.
Sports clubs.
Social housing providers.
To be eligible to apply applicants must provide a copy of a governing document (e.g., constitution, memorandum or articles of association).
Organisation that are not a registered charity or a registered company must provide two forms of identification (with name and address) for a main point of contact.
Project consent forms must be provided for all projects involving capital improvement to land or a building.
Restrictions
Applications will not be accepted from:
Individuals.
Community Interest Companies (CICs) with shares or a guarantee that is less than two years old.
Profit-making organisations.
Organisations without a constitution.
Local authorities.
Parish or town councils.
Schools, academies, nurseries and preschools.
Parent Teacher Associations or Friends of Parent Teacher Associations.
Funding is not available for:
Causes related to waste recycling, energy consumption and sustainability.
Projects relating to schools, playgrounds or involving children’s toys/activities.
Initiatives directly relating to healthy eating, cooking or education on physical health.
Retrospective costs.
Research projects.
Political donations.
Fundraising activities or challenges (e.g., costs for a sky dive).
Running costs and organisation overheads.
Conferences or seminars.
Purchasing land.
Activities which collect funds for redistribution to other charities or individuals
Overseas appeals.
Expeditions or overseas travel.
Promotion of religious or political causes.
Marketing promotions.
Projects or activities that the state has a legal obligation to provide.
Allocations to an organisation’s reserves.
Eligible Expenditure
Grants are available for projects that:
Focus on improving or creating spaces for outdoor activities.
Improve the lives of local people.
Are targeted towards adult activities for people between 21-65 years old.
Eligible projects can include, but are not limited to:
Arts and crafts.
Dance.
Music.
Gardening.
Sports and fitness.
Examples of project ideas include:
Improving a community garden or transforming an outdoor space.
Running a summer art festival.
Funding to support a wheelchair basketball club.
Equipment or space improvement for team sports.
Arts, theatre and music equipment.
This is not an exhaustive list and other project ideas will be welcomed.
