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October Fund Grants for Community Projects (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 01-Feb-2026

The Cambridgeshire Community Foundation’s October Fund provides grants from £1,000 to £10,000 to support sporting, social, educational, and other community activities in Waterbeach and Landbeach. Funding is available to community-focused, not-for-profit organizations, covering project delivery costs and small capital items, with priority given to initiatives that strengthen local participation, access, and wellbeing.

Overview of the October Fund

The October Fund aims to strengthen local communities in Waterbeach and Landbeach by supporting projects that foster participation, social cohesion, education, and recreation. Grants can be used for new initiatives or small-scale capital items that directly benefit the local population.

Funding Objectives

  • Encourage sporting, social, and educational activities.

  • Enhance community participation and wellbeing.

  • Support local organizations in delivering charitable projects.

  • Fund project-related costs, including staff, equipment, and small capital items.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Registered, exempt, and excepted charities.

  • Charitable incorporated organizations (CIOs).

  • Religious organizations delivering projects that benefit the wider community without religious content.

  • Parish and town councils, village halls, parochial church councils.

  • Community Interest Companies, social enterprises, companies limited by guarantee operating at least one year and meeting eligibility criteria.

  • Co-operatives and community benefit societies.

  • Schools and sports clubs (community amateur sports clubs, affiliated with a national governing body, or income under £5,000).

  • National organizations delivering projects within Cambridgeshire (limited availability for projects outside the area).

Ineligible applicants and activities:

  • Organizations not listed above.

  • Projects already completed or previously funded.

  • Fundraising or sponsored events.

  • Debt repayment or loans.

  • Grant-making organizations.

  • Land/building improvements not publicly accessible at convenient hours.

  • Projects promoting political, religious, or ideological beliefs.

  • Animal welfare, overseas travel, statutory obligations, or government-replacement activities.

  • Individual applications must go through a referring organization.

Funding Details

  • Grant size: £1,000 to £10,000.

  • Eligible costs: Salaries for project staff, vehicle rental, small capital items, and project delivery expenses.

  • Purpose: Support charitable projects that benefit communities in Waterbeach and Landbeach.

  • Focus areas: Sporting activities, social programs, educational initiatives, community wellbeing, and inclusion.

How to Apply / Submission Process

  1. Check Eligibility: Confirm your organization type and that your project meets local charitable and community-focused criteria.

  2. Prepare Proposal: Include project objectives, target group, activities, budget, and expected outcomes.

  3. Submit Application: Follow the Foundation’s online application process or apply via a referring organization if you are an individual.

  4. Review Process: Applications are assessed on community impact, feasibility, local benefit, and alignment with fund priorities.

Tips for a Strong Application

  • Clearly demonstrate local community benefit.

  • Show evidence of participation and inclusion.

  • Provide a detailed budget including eligible costs.

  • Highlight sustainability and long-term impact.

  • Ensure project aligns with charitable objectives.

FAQ

1. What is the maximum grant amount? £10,000 per project.
2. Can individuals apply directly? Only via a referring organization.
3. Are capital costs eligible? Yes, small capital items directly related to the project.
4. Can national organizations apply? Yes, if the project is delivered within Cambridgeshire.
5. Are religious organizations eligible? Only if the project benefits the wider community without religious content.
6. Can funds be used for fundraising or events already completed? No, these are ineligible.
7. Which communities benefit from this fund? Residents of Waterbeach and Landbeach.

Conclusion

The October Fund provides vital financial support to organizations in Waterbeach and Landbeach to deliver sporting, social, educational, and community projects. By funding initiatives that enhance participation, inclusion, and wellbeing, the fund strengthens the social fabric of local communities and encourages sustainable local development.

For more information, visit Cambridgeshire Community Foundation.