Deadline: 17-Jul-2026
The Community Grants programme in Wiltshire and Swindon provides funding to voluntary and community organisations to address poverty, improve wellbeing, and support children and young people. Grants range from £750 to £6,000 per year for up to three years, enabling organisations to fund new initiatives or ongoing projects that meet specific local needs.
Overview
The Community Grants programme offers financial support to voluntary and community organisations in Wiltshire and Swindon. It aims to improve the lives of people affected by low income, rising living costs, and social inequities, while promoting wellbeing and supporting children and young people.
The programme is open to projects addressing priority areas or other community-identified needs, providing meaningful impact for micro, small, and medium-sized organisations.
Eligible Activities
Grants can be used to fund:
- Core operational expenses such as staffing, rent, utilities, and administrative costs
- Project delivery costs for new or ongoing initiatives addressing specific local needs
- Capital expenditures up to £6,000 per year, with additional funding for larger projects requiring pre-secured resources
Projects may focus on:
- Tackling poverty and inequity
- Preventing or alleviating poor mental health and promoting wellbeing
- Supporting children and young people
- Other locally identified community needs
Who is Eligible?
Eligible organisations include:
- Constituted voluntary or community groups
- Registered charities
- Not-for-profit companies, including Community Interest Companies (CICs)
Additional eligibility criteria:
- Average annual income of less than £1,000,000 over the past three years
- Locally based in Wiltshire or Swindon, or demonstrating strong local connections
- Proper governance structures, including a management committee or board of at least three unrelated individuals
- Required policies such as safeguarding and equalities
- Financial accountability with a bank account, financial records, and clear budget plan
Funding Details
- Grant range: £750 – £6,000 per year
- Project duration: Up to three years
- Funds can cover operational, project, or capital costs
- Organisations are encouraged to begin using funds within six months of approval
How to Apply
- Check eligibility: Confirm your organisation meets governance, financial, and local connection requirements
- Identify project needs: Align your proposal with priority areas or specific community-identified needs
- Prepare documentation: Include financial records, budget plan, policies, and project description
- Submit application: Complete the official application form and provide supporting documents
- Follow up: Engage with programme officers for guidance or clarification, especially if new to fundraising
Why It Matters
- Provides targeted financial support for organisations addressing urgent local issues
- Helps small and medium-sized organisations achieve measurable impact
- Promotes community wellbeing, social inclusion, and resilience
- Supports sustainable initiatives that strengthen local services and capacity
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without proper governance structures or policies in place
- Submitting incomplete financial records or unclear budget plans
- Proposing projects that duplicate existing local services
- Requesting funds for activities outside the defined grant limits or duration
FAQ
1. Who can apply?
Constituted voluntary or community groups, registered charities, and not-for-profit companies (CICs) based in Wiltshire or Swindon, or with strong local connections.
2. What are the grant amounts?
£750 to £6,000 per year, for projects lasting up to three years.
3. Can the grant cover capital costs?
Yes, up to £6,000 per year, provided most additional funding for larger projects is already secured.
4. What activities are supported?
Operational expenses, project delivery costs, and capital expenditures that align with community priorities.
5. Are there income restrictions?
Yes, organisations should have an average annual income of less than £1,000,000 over the last three years.
6. When should funded activities start?
Organisations are encouraged to begin using the grant within six months of approval.
7. Is guidance provided for new applicants?
Yes, the programme supports new applicants with advice, guidance, and follow-up discussions.
Conclusion
The Community Grants programme empowers voluntary and community organisations in Wiltshire and Swindon to deliver impactful initiatives that tackle poverty, improve wellbeing, and support children and youth. With flexible funding, strong local alignment, and guidance for new applicants, this programme strengthens the capacity of organisations to create meaningful change in their communities.
For more information, visit Wiltshire Community Foundation.