Deadline: 06-Mar-2026
The Margaret Giffen Community Fund provides grants of up to £3,000 for local projects addressing child poverty, food and fuel insecurity, education, arts, sports, and support services in Corby, Kettering, and North Northamptonshire. Funding supports small community groups, voluntary organizations, and self-help initiatives to start new activities or enhance existing services.
About the Margaret Giffen Community Fund
The Margaret Giffen Community Fund offers financial support to community projects that tackle disadvantage and poverty across Corby, Kettering, and North Northamptonshire. Grants of up to £3,000 are available for initiatives that make a measurable difference to vulnerable residents, particularly in areas of child poverty, food or fuel poverty, education access, recreational activities, and support services.
Focus Areas
The fund prioritizes projects that:
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Address child poverty, food poverty, or fuel poverty.
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Provide free or low-cost education and training activities.
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Offer arts, sports, and recreational opportunities for families on low incomes.
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Deliver advice, advocacy, and support services to vulnerable residents.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
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Small, locally managed voluntary or community groups.
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Self-help organizations delivering new activities or building on existing work.
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Groups with a total project budget not exceeding £20,000.
Additional Requirements
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Projects must involve volunteers who are not part of the management committee in delivering activities.
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Groups must have a written constitution or set of governing rules.
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New groups can receive advice and support to develop these governing documents.
Funding Details
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Grants of up to £3,000 per project.
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Both revenue and capital costs are eligible.
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Funding can cover start-up costs for new groups or services, or enhance existing initiatives.
How to Apply
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Prepare a project proposal outlining objectives, target beneficiaries, and budget.
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Ensure the group meets eligibility criteria, including volunteer involvement and governing documents.
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Submit the application to the Margaret Giffen Community Fund following the official guidelines.
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Await evaluation and notification of successful applications.
Tips for a Strong Application
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Clearly define project outcomes and impact on local disadvantaged residents.
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Demonstrate how volunteers will contribute to delivery beyond the management team.
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Provide a clear budget and justification for funding requested.
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Highlight any innovative approaches or existing community partnerships.
FAQs
1. What is the maximum grant available? Up to £3,000 per project.
2. Can both new and existing groups apply? Yes, the fund supports both start-ups and projects building on existing work.
3. Are there restrictions on project budgets? Total project budgets must not exceed £20,000.
4. Are volunteers required? Yes, volunteers not part of the management committee must be involved in delivery.
5. Can funding cover capital costs? Yes, both capital and revenue costs are eligible.
6. What support is available for new groups? Guidance is provided to develop constitutions or governing documents.
7. Which areas are covered? Projects must benefit Corby, Kettering, or North Northamptonshire.
Conclusion
The Margaret Giffen Community Fund empowers small community and voluntary groups to tackle poverty and disadvantage in North Northamptonshire. By supporting projects that improve access to education, recreation, and essential services, the fund strengthens local communities, encourages volunteer involvement, and promotes sustainable social impact.
For more information, visit Northamptonshire Community Foundation.