Deadline: 24-Jun-2026
The Financial Wellbeing Community Fund (FWCF), supported by the Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund, provides grants between £10,000 and £100,000 to charities and community organisations supporting Buckinghamshire residents facing financial hardship. The programme focuses on improving financial resilience, strengthening community support networks, and reducing reliance on emergency crisis services such as food parcels.
Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organisations, charities, social enterprises, CICs, Community Benefit Societies, and Town or Parish Councils working for Buckinghamshire residents. Priority is given to projects supporting Opportunity Bucks areas and those demonstrating strong local partnerships and preventative support approaches.
What Is the Financial Wellbeing Community Fund?
The Financial Wellbeing Community Fund supports projects that help individuals and communities:
- Manage financial shocks
- Reduce debt and financial stress
- Improve access to advice and support services
- Build long-term financial resilience
- Reduce dependence on emergency aid
The programme also strengthens local coordination between organisations to improve referral pathways and community support systems.
Funding Details
Key funding information:
- Grant size: £10,000 to £100,000
- Funding duration: One-year grants
- Funding source: Government Crisis and Resilience Fund
- Eligible project start period: From August 2026
Higher-value applications are generally expected to deliver both:
- Financial resilience services
- Community coordination outcomes
Priority Areas
The programme supports:
- Financial resilience services
- Community-based support
- Training and capacity building
- Practical life and money management skills
- Stronger referral pathways
- Local resilience networks
- Preventative support approaches
- Support for Opportunity Bucks communities
The fund aims to move residents away from repeated crisis interventions and toward long-term stability.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible organisations include:
- Registered charities
- Community groups
- Social enterprises
- Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
- Community Interest Companies (limited by guarantee)
- Community Benefit Societies
- Town and Parish Councils
- Faith groups with inclusive community projects
Applicants must:
- Benefit Buckinghamshire residents
- Have at least three unrelated trustees or directors
- Maintain proper financial controls
- Hold a bank account in the organisation’s name
What Can Funding Cover?
Funding may support:
- Project setup and operational costs
- Staff or volunteer training
- Small equipment or infrastructure
- Community coordination activities
- Network development initiatives
- Direct support services
All costs must directly relate to eligible project activities.
Priority Considerations
Priority will be given to:
- Projects serving Opportunity Bucks areas
- Applications showing match or contributory funding
- Projects supporting low-income households
- Strong collaborative and referral-based approaches
Expected Outcomes
Strong projects should demonstrate outcomes such as:
- Reduced debt
- Increased savings and financial confidence
- Better access to advice services
- Reduced need for emergency food support
- Improved community coordination
- Stronger partnerships
- Increased skills for residents, staff, and volunteers
How to Apply
- Confirm organisational eligibility.
- Develop a project focused on financial resilience or community coordination.
- Prepare a detailed budget breakdown using the required spreadsheet.
- Clearly explain local need and expected impact.
- Demonstrate how the project will reach vulnerable or low-income residents.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline.
Tips for Applicants
- Clearly explain measurable community impact.
- Include realistic budgets and delivery plans.
- Demonstrate partnership working and referral pathways.
- Show how the project reduces long-term crisis dependence.
- Highlight any match funding or additional support.
FAQ
How much funding is available?
Grants range from £10,000 to £100,000.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include charities, CICs, community groups, social enterprises, and local councils serving Buckinghamshire residents.
What projects are supported?
Projects focused on financial resilience, preventative support, community coordination, training, and reducing financial hardship.
Are faith groups eligible?
Yes, if the project is open and accessible to all residents.
What areas receive priority?
Projects supporting Opportunity Bucks areas are prioritised.
Conclusion
The Financial Wellbeing Community Fund provides important support for Buckinghamshire organisations helping residents build financial stability and resilience. The programme encourages preventative, community-led approaches that strengthen local support systems and reduce long-term dependence on emergency crisis services.
For more information, visit Heart of Bucks.
