The A428 Community Fund provides grants of up to £15,000 for community, environmental and skills-focused projects across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. It supports initiatives that improve local employment, strengthen communities, promote wellbeing and protect the natural environment around the A428 scheme. The fund is highly competitive and requires projects to be completed by January 2027.

A428 Community Fund: Grants for Community, Environment and Skills Development

Overview

The A428 Community Fund supports non-profit organisations delivering projects that benefit communities surrounding the A428 development in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. With a total value of £250,000, the fund focuses on strengthening community resilience, enhancing the local environment and promoting skills and employment opportunities.

Key Funding Priorities

1. Local Economy, Skills and Employment

Projects must contribute to economic development or skills building, especially those that:

• Inspire interest in STEM careers

• Support pathways into A428-related employment

• Provide training, mentoring or community learning opportunities

2. Supporting and Connecting Communities

The fund backs initiatives that enhance social wellbeing and community cohesion, including:

• Community safety and health programmes

• Projects reducing vehicle use and promoting walking or cycling

• Arts, cultural or heritage activities linked to A428 developments

• Community involvement and relationship-building initiatives

3. Environmental Enhancement

Projects should improve or protect the natural landscape near the A428. Eligible activities include:

• Community-led conservation projects

• Biodiversity and habitat restoration

• Green space improvements and nature engagement programmes

Fund Details

• Maximum grant: £15,000

• Total fund value: £250,000

• Administered by: Cambridgeshire Community Foundation

• Funding rounds: Multiple rounds throughout the A428 construction phase (beginning Nov 2023)

• Project completion deadline: January 2027

• High competition: Fund is consistently oversubscribed

Applicants to the final round must already have planning permission for any project requiring it.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible organisations include:

• Registered charities

• Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)

• Religious organisations offering non-religious community benefit

• Parish and town councils

• Village halls and parochial church councils

• Community interest companies (CICs)

• Social enterprises

• Companies limited by guarantee (with at least one year of operation)

What the Fund Supports

Projects must deliver clear community benefit and may include:

• Skills development workshops

• Community safety initiatives

• Health and wellbeing programmes

• Cycle/walking infrastructure improvements

• Environmental clean-ups or habitat restoration

• Arts and cultural activities reflecting A428 changes

Requests must avoid general revenue costs and instead focus on essential project delivery expenses.

How to Apply

1. Review the funding priorities and ensure alignment.

2. Prepare a clear project plan outlining:

   • Objectives

   • Expected outcomes

   • Long-term community impact

3. Detail core or delivery-related costs directly tied to the project.

4. Submit an online application via the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation portal.

5. For projects requiring permissions (e.g., construction), secure these before applying to the final round.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate community need with clear evidence.

• Show how the project brings long-term, lasting benefits.

• Highlight partnerships or collaboration with local groups.

• Provide a realistic timeline that fits the January 2027 deadline.

• Include measurable outcomes such as number of people reached or environmental improvements achieved.

• Avoid vague budgets—break down costs clearly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects unrelated to the A428 impact area

• Requesting funding for general operating costs

• Missing planning permission for infrastructure-related projects

• Proposing one-off events without lasting benefit

• Failing to demonstrate organisational experience or capacity

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum grant available?
Up to £15,000 per project.

2. Who administers the fund?
The Cambridgeshire Community Foundation.

3. Can new organisations apply?
Yes, except companies limited by guarantee, which must have at least one year of operational history.

4. What types of costs are not eligible?
General revenue costs and expenses not directly tied to project delivery.

5. Do projects need to be directly related to the A428 development?
They must benefit communities impacted by or connected to the A428 scheme.

6. When must projects be completed?
All projects must finish by January 2027.

7. Is the fund competitive?
Yes, it is heavily oversubscribed, so strong applications are essential.

Conclusion

The A428 Community Fund provides valuable support for organisations working to enhance community wellbeing, environmental sustainability and local skills development around the A428 scheme. By aligning with the fund’s priorities and presenting a clear, impactful proposal, applicants can secure vital resources to deliver long-lasting benefits for their communities.