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Wimbledon Foundation Community Fund Program in United Kingdom

Deadline: 18-Feb-2026

The Wimbledon Foundation has launched its first open Multi-year Award Programme to provide three-year funding to local organisations supporting residents of London Borough of Merton and London Borough of Wandsworth. Grants of up to £10,000 per year (maximum £30,000 over three years) are available to tackle financial insecurity, mental health challenges, and digital exclusion. Eligible applicants must have an appropriate not-for-profit legal structure and deliver charitable activities.

Programme Overview

The Wimbledon Foundation Multi-year Award Programme provides long-term funding to community organisations facing increased demand due to the economic downturn and cost-of-living pressures.

This programme shifts away from short-term grants and instead offers three-year funding to:

  • Improve organisational stability

  • Reduce repeated application burdens

  • Enable sustained service delivery

  • Strengthen local community resilience

The focus is on supporting disadvantaged residents in Merton and Wandsworth.

Funding Details

Grant Amount

  • Up to £10,000 per year

  • Funding duration: 3 years

  • Maximum total award: £30,000

Funding Purpose

Grants must be used for charitable, not-for-profit activities that directly benefit local residents.

Multi-year funding is intended to provide predictable income and operational stability.

Priority Themes

Projects must address at least one of the following themes:

1. Financial Insecurity and Cost of Living

Supports initiatives that:

  • Address poverty and income instability

  • Provide financial advice or crisis support

  • Reduce cost-of-living pressures

  • Improve access to essential resources

2. Mental Health and Wellbeing

Supports programmes that:

  • Promote emotional resilience

  • Provide mental health support services

  • Reduce social isolation

  • Strengthen community wellbeing

3. Digital Inclusion

Funds initiatives that:

  • Improve digital skills

  • Provide access to devices or connectivity

  • Support digital literacy training

  • Reduce digital exclusion barriers

Geographic Focus

All funded activities must benefit residents of:

  • London Borough of Merton

  • London Borough of Wandsworth

Organisations should demonstrate local knowledge and community engagement.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

  1. Operate on a not-for-profit basis

  2. Deliver charitable activities

  3. Have a signed governing document

  4. Include an asset lock or equivalent clause

  5. Be one of the following legal structures:

    • Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)

    • Company Limited by Guarantee (including those registered as a charity or Community Interest Company limited by guarantee)

    • Trust

    • Unincorporated Association

    • Community Benefit Society

Community Benefit Societies ideally should be registered as charitable with HMRC, although this is not mandatory.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following organisations cannot apply:

  • Companies Limited by Shares (including CICs limited by shares)

  • Statutory bodies (e.g., local authorities, NHS organisations)

  • Co-operative Societies

  • Schools

Applicants must ensure their legal structure aligns with eligibility criteria.

Why This Programme Matters

Local voluntary and community organisations face:

  • Increased demand for services

  • Reduced financial stability

  • Administrative burden from repeated grant applications

By offering three-year funding, the Wimbledon Foundation aims to:

  • Improve long-term planning

  • Reduce funding uncertainty

  • Support sustainable community impact

  • Strengthen frontline services during economic hardship

Multi-year grants are particularly valuable for small and medium-sized charities operating in high-need areas.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Legal Structure

Ensure your organisation:

  • Has an eligible not-for-profit legal form

  • Has a signed governing document

  • Includes an asset lock clause

Step 2: Align with Priority Themes

Clearly demonstrate how your project addresses:

  • Financial insecurity

  • Mental health and wellbeing

  • Digital inclusion

Projects may address more than one theme.

Step 3: Demonstrate Local Impact

Explain:

  • How your services benefit residents of Merton or Wandsworth

  • Evidence of local need

  • Community partnerships

Step 4: Prepare Budget

Outline:

  • Annual funding request (up to £10,000)

  • Total three-year projection

  • Clear breakdown of expenditure

Step 5: Show Sustainability

Describe:

  • Organisational stability

  • Long-term strategy

  • Impact measurement approach

Submit a complete application with required documentation.

What Makes a Strong Application?

Competitive proposals typically include:

  • Clear local focus

  • Evidence-based need

  • Measurable outcomes

  • Realistic financial planning

  • Strong governance and accountability

  • Demonstrated community trust

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with an ineligible legal structure

  • Failing to include an asset lock clause

  • Weak connection to Merton or Wandsworth

  • Vague impact measurement

  • Overly complex or unclear budgets

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much funding is available?

Up to £10,000 per year for three years (maximum £30,000 total).

2. Can organisations apply if they are not registered charities?

Yes, if they meet the eligible legal structures and operate on a not-for-profit basis.

3. Are statutory organisations eligible?

No. Local authorities, NHS bodies, and other statutory organisations cannot apply.

4. Can Companies Limited by Shares apply?

No. Only Companies Limited by Guarantee are eligible.

5. Must projects address all three priority themes?

No. Projects must address at least one theme.

6. Is HMRC charitable registration required for Community Benefit Societies?

It is ideal but not mandatory.

7. Is funding available outside Merton and Wandsworth?

No. Projects must benefit residents of these boroughs.

Conclusion

The Wimbledon Foundation Multi-year Award Programme provides long-term funding of up to £30,000 over three years to support organisations addressing financial insecurity, mental health, and digital inclusion in Merton and Wandsworth. By focusing on sustainability and reducing administrative burden, the programme aims to strengthen community services during ongoing economic pressures.

Eligible organisations with strong governance, clear local impact, and a focus on disadvantaged residents are well positioned to benefit from this multi-year funding opportunity.

For more information, visit The London Community Foundation.