Deadline: 07-Aug-2026
The Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund provides grants of up to £10,000 to voluntary and community sector organisations delivering services that address priority social needs in Northamptonshire. The fund supports projects focused on reducing inequality, improving health and wellbeing, supporting children and young people, strengthening rural communities, improving skills, and enhancing community safety.
The programme aims to support direct community services that respond to needs identified through the Hidden Needs report for Northamptonshire and improve outcomes for disadvantaged communities.
Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund Overview
The Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund provides financial support to voluntary and community sector organisations working to improve lives across Northamptonshire.
The fund supports projects that respond to local challenges and provide practical services for communities experiencing disadvantage, inequality, or barriers to opportunity.
Funding is designed for organisations delivering direct community support activities that address priority needs identified in the Hidden Needs report for Northamptonshire.
The programme focuses on strengthening communities by supporting services that improve:
- Social inclusion
- Health and wellbeing
- Education and skills development
- Community safety
- Living conditions
- Support for vulnerable groups
Purpose of the Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund
The main purpose of the fund is to support voluntary and community organisations delivering services that create positive social impact in Northamptonshire.
The fund helps organisations:
- Respond to local community needs
- Reduce inequality and deprivation
- Improve access to support services
- Strengthen community resilience
- Support vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
The programme prioritises projects that provide practical benefits directly to local residents.
Why the Fund Matters
Many communities face challenges related to poverty, isolation, limited opportunities, health inequalities, and access to essential services.
Community organisations play an important role in addressing these challenges by providing:
- Local support services
- Skills development opportunities
- Wellbeing activities
- Community connections
- Support for vulnerable people
The Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund helps strengthen these organisations so they can continue delivering valuable services to Northamptonshire communities.
Key Funding Priorities
The fund supports projects addressing a range of community needs.
Supporting Rural Communities
Funding may support activities that improve opportunities and services for people living in rural areas.
Examples include:
- Community activities
- Local support programmes
- Services improving rural access and inclusion
Reducing Inequality and Deprivation
Projects may support communities experiencing disadvantage through:
- Access to support services
- Inclusion initiatives
- Community development activities
- Poverty reduction programmes
Improving Health and Wellbeing
The fund supports activities that promote positive physical and mental wellbeing.
Examples include:
- Health improvement programmes
- Wellbeing activities
- Community support services
Supporting Children and Young People
Projects may address disadvantages faced by children and young people through:
Education, Skills and Training Opportunities
The fund supports activities that improve learning and personal development.
Examples include:
- Skills training
- Educational programmes
- Employability support
- Learning opportunities
Supporting Older People
Projects may provide services that improve quality of life for older residents.
Activities may include:
- Social connection programmes
- Support services
- Community participation activities
Improving Housing and Living Environments
Funding may support activities that help improve living conditions and community environments.
Examples include:
- Housing-related support activities
- Community improvement initiatives
- Living environment projects
Reducing Crime and Improving Community Safety
The fund supports projects that help create safer communities.
Activities may include:
- Crime prevention initiatives
- Community safety programmes
- Support activities that reduce risks
Who Is Eligible for the Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund?
Eligible applicants include:
- Voluntary sector organisations
- Community sector organisations
- Non-profit organisations delivering community services
Applicants must demonstrate that their activities:
- Address local community needs
- Align with the fund priorities
- Provide direct benefits to Northamptonshire residents
Organisations should clearly explain how their project responds to identified needs within the community.
Funding Amount
Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to:
£10,000 per project
Funding should support activities that directly address priority community needs.
Applicants should provide a clear explanation of:
- Project activities
- Expected outcomes
- Community benefits
- Budget requirements
What Can the Grant Support?
The fund supports direct services and activities delivered by voluntary and community organisations.
Eligible activities may include:
- Community programmes
- Support services
- Training activities
- Wellbeing initiatives
- Youth activities
- Older people support programmes
- Skills development projects
- Community safety activities
Projects should demonstrate clear social benefits for local communities.
Restrictions on Funding
The fund does not support certain costs and activities.
Overhead Costs
Administrative or overhead costs are limited.
The fund does not support:
- Overhead costs exceeding 10% of the requested grant amount
This limit does not apply to staff costs.
Capital Costs
Funding cannot be used for major capital expenses, including:
- Building works
- Property purchases
- Large-scale infrastructure improvements
Other Ineligible Activities
The fund does not support:
- Profit-making organisations or businesses
- Statutory services
- Political activities
- Activities that do not align with community priorities
How to Apply for the Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund
Applicants should follow a clear application process to demonstrate the need and impact of their project.
Step 1: Identify Community Needs
Applicants should identify the local issue their project will address.
The application should explain:
- The community challenge
- Who will benefit
- Why support is needed
Step 2: Develop a Project Plan
Applicants should describe:
- Proposed activities
- Target beneficiaries
- Expected outcomes
- How the project aligns with fund priorities
Projects should focus on delivering measurable community benefits.
Step 3: Prepare a Project Budget
Applicants should provide a realistic budget explaining how funding will be used.
The budget should include:
- Activity costs
- Staff costs
- Materials or service expenses
- Any additional funding sources
Applicants should ensure overhead costs remain within the allowed limit.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Applicants must submit their application with all required information.
The application should clearly demonstrate:
- Community need
- Project impact
- Organisational capability
- Alignment with funding priorities
Step 5: Deliver and Report Project Outcomes
Successful applicants should use funding for approved activities and demonstrate how the project benefits the community.
Common Application Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying for activities unrelated to fund priorities
- Requesting funding for capital projects
- Including excessive overhead costs
- Failing to explain community impact
- Not demonstrating local need
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Clearly describe the community problem
- Explain how the project benefits residents
- Connect activities with fund priorities
- Provide a realistic budget
- Highlight measurable outcomes
- Demonstrate experience delivering community services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund?
The fund provides grants to voluntary and community organisations delivering services that address priority needs in Northamptonshire.
How much funding can organisations receive?
Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to £10,000.
Who can apply for funding?
Voluntary sector, community sector, and non-profit organisations delivering eligible community services can apply.
What types of projects are supported?
The fund supports projects related to health and wellbeing, rural communities, education, skills training, children and young people, older people, housing, and community safety.
Can businesses apply for the grant?
No. Profit-making organisations and businesses are not eligible.
Can the grant pay for building work or property costs?
No. Capital costs such as building works and property purchases are not supported.
Can political activities receive funding?
No. Activities of a political nature are not eligible for support.
Conclusion
The Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund provides important financial support for voluntary and community organisations working to improve lives across Northamptonshire.
By funding direct community services that address inequality, improve wellbeing, support vulnerable groups, and strengthen local communities, the programme helps organisations create meaningful and lasting social impact.
For more information, visit Northamptonshire Community Foundation.
