Charles Burnett Memorial Fund for Community Wellbeing (UK)

The Charles Burnett Memorial Fund provides grants to community organisations working in the New Forest and Waterside areas to reduce isolation and strengthen social connections. Funding supports grassroots, long-term initiatives that improve wellbeing, particularly for vulnerable groups such as older people, youth, and LGBTQ+ communities. Grants of up to £10,000 per year are available for up to two years.

Overview

The Charles Burnett Memorial Fund supports community-led organisations delivering grassroots initiatives that improve wellbeing and strengthen social cohesion in the New Forest region.

It is administered by HIWCF and aligns with its focus on:

• Flourishing communities
• Health and wellbeing

The fund honours Charles Burnett’s legacy of supporting strong, connected, and inclusive communities.

Core Purpose of the Grant Programme

The programme focuses on addressing social isolation and strengthening community relationships.

Main Objectives

• Strengthen social bonds among New Forest residents
• Expand community-based solutions to isolation and division
• Improve evidence for investment in community wellbeing initiatives
• Support long-term improvements in health and social outcomes

Geographic Focus

Funding is strictly location-based.

Eligible Areas

• New Forest
• Waterside areas

Applicants must demonstrate a strong, direct connection to these communities.

Community Context and Need

Although the New Forest is considered a high-quality living area, it faces key social challenges:

• Increasing social isolation
• Limited public transport access
• Pressure on community support services
• Ageing population
• Reduced opportunities for meaningful social interaction

These factors increase the need for structured community engagement programmes.

Types of Supported Projects

The fund supports grassroots, community-led initiatives that promote inclusion and connection.

Examples of Eligible Activities

• Support groups for older people experiencing bereavement
• Youth clubs encouraging face-to-face interaction
• Peer support networks for LGBTQ+ individuals
• Community connection and inclusion programmes
• Activities addressing loneliness and social exclusion

Eligible Beneficiaries

Projects must clearly target groups experiencing:

• Isolation
• Social division
• Discrimination

Priority Groups May Include

• Older adults
• Young people
• LGBTQ+ communities
• Vulnerable or isolated residents

Applicants must clearly define:

• Target group
• Their specific needs
• Local barriers affecting participation

Eligibility Criteria for Organisations

Eligible Applicants

• Community organisations working in the New Forest or Waterside areas
• Organisations delivering locally embedded services

Key Requirements

• Strong alignment with local community needs
• Clear focus on reducing isolation or division
• Evidence of community engagement
• Long-term programme delivery approach

Not Suitable For

• One-off events or short-term activities without sustained impact
• Projects without clear local relevance

Funding Details

Grant Amount

• Up to £10,000 per year

Duration

• Maximum of 2 years

What Funding Can Cover

• Staff costs
• Volunteer expenses
• Activity delivery costs
• A proportion of core organisational costs

Programme Approach and Expectations

The fund prioritizes sustained community impact rather than short-term interventions.

Key Expectations

• Long-term relationship building
• Evidence of impact on isolation and wellbeing
• Strong local engagement
• Clear measurement of outcomes

Learning and Support Requirements

Successful applicants will:

• Participate in HIWCF learning events
• Share progress and experiences
• Contribute to collective learning across funded projects
• Receive additional financial support for participation

How It Works / Application Process

Step 1: Define Community Need

• Identify specific isolation or social challenges
• Clearly define target group

Step 2: Design Long-Term Activities

• Focus on sustained engagement
• Avoid one-off or short-term interventions

Step 3: Align With Local Context

• Demonstrate strong connection to the New Forest or Waterside areas
• Reflect local social and demographic needs

Step 4: Prepare Application

Include:

• Project objectives
• Target beneficiaries
• Delivery plan
• Expected outcomes
• Budget breakdown

Step 5: Submit Application

• Follow HIWCF application guidelines

Step 6: Participate in Learning Activities

• Engage in evaluation and knowledge-sharing events

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting one-off or short-term projects
• Weak connection to New Forest or Waterside areas
• Vague target group definition
• Lack of focus on isolation or community division
• Insufficient explanation of long-term impact
• Missing wellbeing or social cohesion outcomes

Why This Funding Matters

The Charles Burnett Memorial Fund helps:

• Reduce loneliness and isolation in rural and semi-rural communities
• Strengthen community networks and trust
• Improve mental and social wellbeing outcomes
• Support vulnerable and underserved groups
• Build evidence for long-term investment in community services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of the Charles Burnett Memorial Fund?

It supports community projects that reduce isolation and strengthen social connections in the New Forest and Waterside areas.

2. Who can apply for this grant?

Community organisations working directly in the New Forest or Waterside areas.

3. What is the funding amount available?

Grants of up to £10,000 per year are available for up to two years.

4. What types of projects are supported?

Projects that address loneliness, isolation, and community division through sustained engagement activities.

5. What costs can be covered?

Funding can cover staff, volunteers, activities, and a portion of core organisational costs.

6. What is a key eligibility requirement?

Projects must clearly target individuals experiencing isolation or discrimination and demonstrate local relevance.

7. Are one-off events eligible?

No, the fund prioritizes sustained, long-term community programmes rather than one-off activities.

Conclusion

The Charles Burnett Memorial Fund supports locally rooted initiatives that strengthen social connections and improve wellbeing in the New Forest. By focusing on long-term community engagement, it addresses isolation, builds inclusion, and supports vulnerable groups through sustained grassroots action.