Deadline: 06-Mar-2026
The Compton Fund provides grants of £500 to £5,000 to small, locally managed community groups in Northamptonshire for arts, culture, and heritage projects. The fund supports initiatives that engage volunteers, promote local heritage, and enrich community participation.
About the Fund
The Compton Fund aims to empower small, locally managed community groups to deliver projects celebrating and promoting arts, culture, and heritage across Northamptonshire. By providing financial support, the fund helps groups bring creative and cultural initiatives to life, fostering local engagement and preserving heritage.
Key Objectives
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Support arts, culture, and heritage-based projects within Northamptonshire.
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Encourage participation from volunteers outside the management committee.
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Strengthen community engagement and local cultural identity.
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Ensure small, locally managed groups can deliver tangible, impactful projects.
Funding Details
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Award Range: £500 – £5,000 per project.
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Eligible Projects: Arts, culture, and heritage initiatives with community engagement.
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Use of Funds: Creative projects, events, exhibitions, workshops, or heritage preservation activities.
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Location: Group and activities must be based exclusively in Northamptonshire.
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Organisation Type: Small, locally managed, voluntary, community, or self-help groups (social enterprises with persons with significant control are generally excluded).
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Volunteers: Must include volunteers not part of the management committee.
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Governance: Groups must have a written constitution or set of rules, including a dissolution clause. Guidance is available for new groups.
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Bank Account: Must maintain a community bank account with at least two signatories.
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Safeguarding: Groups working with children or vulnerable adults must have child protection and vulnerable peoples’ policies in place.
How to Apply
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Confirm the eligibility of your group and project based on location and governance requirements.
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Prepare a project proposal detailing objectives, activities, and expected community impact.
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Provide supporting documentation, including your constitution, volunteer details, and bank account verification.
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Submit the application according to the Compton Fund guidelines for review.
Tips for a Strong Application
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Highlight how your project engages volunteers beyond the management committee.
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Demonstrate a clear community impact and connection to local heritage or culture.
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Include detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets.
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Ensure all safeguarding and governance policies are up-to-date and documented.
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Show innovation or creativity in promoting arts, culture, or heritage.
FAQs
1. What is the funding range? £500 – £5,000 per project.
2. Who is eligible? Small, locally managed voluntary, community, or self-help groups based in Northamptonshire.
3. Are social enterprises eligible? Generally excluded if they have persons with significant control.
4. Must volunteers be involved? Yes, at least some volunteers must not be part of the management committee.
5. Is a constitution required? Yes, with a dissolution clause; guidance is available for new groups.
6. Are safeguarding policies needed? Required if the project involves children or vulnerable adults.
7. Where must the project take place? Exclusively within Northamptonshire.
Conclusion
The Compton Fund empowers local community groups to develop arts, culture, and heritage projects that engage volunteers, enrich local heritage, and strengthen community participation. By supporting small-scale, locally managed initiatives, the fund ensures projects have meaningful impact and foster cultural engagement throughout Northamptonshire.
For more information, visit Northamptonshire Community Foundation.