Deadline: 28-Apr-2026
The Local Community Spaces Fund provides grants of £10,000–£20,000 to grassroots organizations across the United Kingdom to repair and improve community spaces. With over £1 million available in 2026, the fund supports projects that reduce loneliness, strengthen communities, and enhance safe, accessible environments. Eligible applicants include charities, CICs, and community benefit societies meeting specific financial and governance criteria.
Overview of the Fund
The Local Community Spaces Fund supports grassroots organizations working to maintain and enhance local community spaces.
The goal is to ensure these spaces remain safe, welcoming, and functional for people to connect, especially those at risk of loneliness, isolation, or vulnerability.
Key Focus Areas
Repair and Maintenance
- Essential building repairs
- Safety improvements
- General upkeep of facilities
Expansion and Improvement
- Upgrading infrastructure
- Improving accessibility and usability
- Expanding capacity to serve communities
Community Centres
- Supporting spaces hosting multiple groups
- Encouraging diverse community activities
Youth Centres
Support for Vulnerable Groups
- Spaces addressing homelessness
- Food insecurity services
- Dementia and elderly care support
Program Objectives
- Reduce loneliness and social isolation
- Strengthen community engagement
- Improve accessibility and safety of spaces
- Support vulnerable populations
- Enhance capacity of local organizations
Funding Details
- Grant size: £10,000 – £20,000
- Total fund size: Over £1 million (2026 round)
- Project requirement: Must be fully fundable within grant range
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
- Registered charities in the UK
- Community Interest Companies (CICs) (registered for 3+ years)
- Community Benefit Societies
Key Requirements
- Annual income between £40,000 and £400,000
- Acceptable level of unrestricted reserves
- Up-to-date financial and regulatory filings
- Must have:
- Safeguarding policies
- Governing document
- Organizational bank account
Property Requirements
- Space must be owned or leased
- Lease must have at least 3 years remaining
- Space must be open and accessible year-round
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
Projects should:
- Improve or repair community spaces
- Serve diverse community groups
- Deliver activities regularly throughout the week
- Benefit people in areas of high deprivation
- Support vulnerable populations
What is Not Funded?
- Clubhouses used by a single organization
- Maintenance of pitches or sports grounds
- Projects outside the funding range
- Items not aligned with fund priorities
How to Apply
Follow these steps:
- Confirm eligibility and financial criteria
- Identify a suitable community space project
- Ensure the project fits within £10,000–£20,000
- Prepare documentation (policies, lease, financials)
- Submit application before funding closes
Important Notes
- Applications may close early due to high demand
- Funding aims for fair regional distribution
- Some budget items may be reduced or removed
What to Expect After Selection
- Grant funding for repairs or improvements
- Enhanced community space functionality
- Increased engagement and participation
- Ongoing use for community activities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with incomplete governance documents
- Proposing projects outside funding limits
- Weak demonstration of community impact
- Not meeting lease or ownership requirements
- Submitting late due to early closure
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly show community need and impact
- Highlight benefits for vulnerable groups
- Provide realistic and detailed budgets
- Demonstrate regular use of the space
- Align closely with fund priorities
Why This Fund Matters
Tackles Loneliness
Creates spaces for connection and belonging
Supports Grassroots Organizations
Strengthens local community infrastructure
Improves Community Wellbeing
Enhances safe and accessible environments
Focuses on Vulnerable Populations
Supports those most in need
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the funding range?
Between £10,000 and £20,000 per project.
2. Who can apply?
Charities, CICs (3+ years), and community benefit societies in the UK.
3. What types of projects are supported?
Repairs, renovations, and improvements to community spaces.
4. Is co-funding required?
Not required, but organizations may contribute additional funds.
5. Are sports grounds funded?
No, maintenance of pitches and grounds is not supported.
6. Can applications close early?
Yes, due to high demand or regional limits.
7. What is the main goal of the fund?
To improve community spaces and reduce loneliness and isolation.
Conclusion
The Local Community Spaces Fund 2026 offers essential support for grassroots organizations working to improve local spaces across the UK. By funding repairs and upgrades, the program helps create inclusive, accessible environments that bring communities together and support those most in need.
For more information, visit Asda Foundation.
