Deadline: 01-Oct-2026
The Evan Cornish Grassroots Fund is a community grant initiative designed to support small-scale, locally led organisations in Greater Lincolnshire. It focuses on improving quality of life through practical, community-driven solutions.
The fund prioritizes grassroots impact, meaning projects must directly respond to local needs rather than large-scale institutional programs.
Core Objectives of the Fund
Main Goals
- Improve community wellbeing
- Reduce social isolation
- Strengthen local social support systems
- Address basic needs such as food, housing, and care
- Support vulnerable and marginalized groups
Long-Term Vision
- Build stronger, more connected communities
- Encourage volunteer-led initiatives
- Improve access to essential services
- Promote inclusion and social cohesion
Key Thematic Areas
The fund supports a wide range of community-focused activities:
1. Social Cohesion & Community Integration
- Community events and activities
- Women’s groups and support networks
- Programs supporting integration and inclusion
- Support for individuals leaving prison and their families
2. Advice and Support Services
- Debt counselling
- Welfare and benefits guidance
- Nutrition and healthy diet education
- General support services for vulnerable individuals
3. Support for Older People
- Home-based care support
- Companionship services
- Dementia support initiatives
- Volunteer-led visiting services
- Reducing loneliness and isolation
4. Homelessness Support
- Emergency accommodation assistance
- Food and clothing support
- Outreach and advice services
- Help for vulnerable or at-risk individuals
5. Food Security and Sustainability
- Community gardens and growing schemes
- Seed swap initiatives
- Food sustainability education
- Food sovereignty awareness
- Local food access projects
Who Can Apply?
Eligible Organisations
- Small, locally run voluntary groups
- Community-based organisations in Greater Lincolnshire
- Volunteer-led initiatives
Preference Is Given To
- Smaller grassroots groups
- Locally embedded community organisations
- Initiatives directly responding to local needs
Not Typically Eligible
- Branches of large national or regional organisations
Funding Details
Grant Size
- Up to £6,000 per year per project
Total Annual Fund
- Approximately £50,000 distributed annually
Payment Structure
- Funds are usually paid in advance
- Must be used within 1 year of receipt
What the Fund Supports
Eligible funding can be used for practical, operational community costs, including:
Allowed Expenses
- Equipment for community activities
- Travel costs for service delivery
- Venue hire for events or support sessions
- Telephone and communication costs
- Stationery and administrative supplies
- Refreshments for community activities
- Volunteer training and development
What the Fund Does NOT Support
Ineligible Activities
- Political activities or campaigning
- Predominantly religious programs
- Individual personal funding
- Statutory government services or agencies
- Animal welfare projects
- Large-scale public appeals
- Building construction or renovation works
- Vehicle purchases
- Retrospective funding (already completed projects)
How the Fund Works (Step-by-Step)
1. Application Submission
- Community organisations submit a proposal
- Must clearly describe local need and planned impact
2. Assessment
Applications are reviewed based on:
- Community impact
- Local relevance
- Feasibility of delivery
- Alignment with fund priorities
3. Funding Decision
- Successful applicants receive grants up to £6,000
- Funds are released in advance
4. Implementation
- Organisation delivers the project within one year
- Activities must directly benefit the local community
5. Reporting
- Basic reporting on outcomes and use of funds is typically required
What Makes a Strong Application?
Key Success Factors
- Clear identification of local community need
- Strong evidence of grassroots involvement
- Practical and achievable project design
- Direct benefit to vulnerable groups
- Volunteer participation and local engagement
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Unclear Local Impact
Applications must clearly show how the project benefits Greater Lincolnshire communities.
2. Overly Large or Complex Projects
The fund prefers small, focused initiatives.
3. Misalignment with Themes
Projects must fit within wellbeing, social support, or inclusion priorities.
4. Including Ineligible Costs
Avoid requesting funding for buildings, vehicles, or political activities.
5. Lack of Community Ownership
Projects should be locally led, not externally imposed.
Why This Fund Matters
1. Strengthens Local Communities
Supports direct, grassroots responses to social challenges.
2. Reduces Isolation
Funds projects that build human connection and support networks.
3. Improves Access to Essential Services
Helps vulnerable individuals access food, advice, and housing support.
4. Supports Volunteer-Led Action
Empowers community members to lead local solutions.
5. Targets Real Social Needs
Focuses on practical issues like homelessness, debt, and loneliness.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the Evan Cornish Grassroots Fund?
It is a grant programme supporting small community initiatives that improve wellbeing in Greater Lincolnshire.
2. How much funding is available?
Up to £6,000 per project per year, with a total annual fund of around £50,000.
3. Who can apply?
Small, volunteer-led or community-based organisations operating in Greater Lincolnshire.
4. What types of projects are funded?
Projects addressing social isolation, homelessness, food insecurity, elderly care, and community wellbeing.
5. Can large organisations apply?
Preference is given to small local groups; branches of large organisations are generally not prioritised.
6. How long must the project be completed in?
Funds must be used within one year of receipt.
7. What costs are eligible?
Equipment, travel, venue hire, training, refreshments, and basic operational expenses.
Conclusion
The Evan Cornish Grassroots Fund is a targeted community grant programme designed to strengthen local wellbeing and social support systems in Greater Lincolnshire. By funding small, volunteer-led initiatives, it helps address critical issues such as isolation, homelessness, food insecurity, and access to essential services.
Its core purpose is to empower grassroots organisations to deliver practical, local solutions that improve everyday life and build stronger, more connected communities.
For more information, visit Lincolnshire Community Foundation.
