Deadline: 02-Oct-2026
The Rushcliffe Community Wellbeing Fund 2026/27 provides grants of £500 to £2,000 for local projects that improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and help address cost of living pressures. Projects must take place in the Borough of Rushcliffe, be delivered within one year, and submit a findings report before the end of March 2027.
Overview
The fund supports community-led projects that improve local wellbeing and create positive outcomes for residents across Rushcliffe.
It is open to town and parish councils, local groups, and community organisations that want to launch, sustain, or expand activities that strengthen community connections, improve participation, and support people facing social or financial pressures.
Key Details
- Fund: Rushcliffe Community Wellbeing Fund 2026/27
- Location: Borough of Rushcliffe
- Grant amount: £500–£2,000
- Eligible applicants: Town and parish councils, local groups, and community organisations
- Delivery period: Within one year
- Final reporting deadline: Before the end of March 2027
- Applicant requirement: Formally constituted group with a bank account in the organisation’s name
Focus Areas
The fund supports projects related to:
- Community wellbeing
- Social isolation and loneliness
- Volunteering
- Social action
- Community engagement
- Inclusivity
- Health and wellbeing
- Outdoor and indoor activities
- Sport
- Green space improvements
- Arts and heritage
- Cultural activities
- Befriending
- Community food activities
- Cost of living support
- Energy-saving measures
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Town councils
- Parish councils
- Local groups
- Community organisations
Applicants must:
- Be formally constituted.
- Have a bank account in the organisation’s name.
- Deliver the project within the Borough of Rushcliffe.
- Show how the project benefits local residents.
What Can Be Funded?
Funding can support community-led projects that:
- Improve wellbeing.
- Reduce loneliness.
- Strengthen community connections.
- Increase participation.
- Support volunteering.
- Improve access to activities.
- Help residents manage cost of living pressures.
- Promote inclusive community activities.
- Enhance green spaces or community spaces.
What Cannot Be Funded?
The fund cannot support:
- Profit-making organisations
- Politically affiliated organisations
- Projects promoting particular religious views
- General running costs of existing organisations
- Projects outside the Borough of Rushcliffe
Application Requirements
Applications should demonstrate:
- Evidence of local need
- Clear aims and objectives
- Measurable outcomes
- Accessibility
- Cultural relevance
- Long-term sustainability
- Community benefit
- Realistic delivery plan
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Check that your group is formally constituted and has a bank account in the organisation’s name.
Step 2: Confirm Project Location
Ensure the project will take place within the Borough of Rushcliffe.
Step 3: Define the Community Need
Explain the wellbeing, loneliness, participation, or cost of living issue your project will address.
Step 4: Prepare the Project Plan
Set out your activities, target participants, expected outcomes, and delivery timeline.
Step 5: Prepare the Budget
Request between £500 and £2,000 and clearly explain how the funds will be used.
Step 6: Show Sustainability
Explain how the project’s benefits may continue beyond the grant period.
Step 7: Submit the Application
Submit the proposal according to the fund’s application requirements.
Step 8: Report Results
If funded, complete the project within one year and submit a findings report before the end of March 2027.
Why It Matters
The fund helps local communities respond to social isolation, wellbeing challenges, and cost of living pressures.
It matters because it supports:
- Stronger community connections
- Reduced loneliness
- More inclusive local activities
- Better health and wellbeing
- Local volunteering
- Affordable community participation
- Support for vulnerable residents
- Community-led responses to rising living costs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying without a formal constitution.
- Using a personal bank account.
- Proposing activities outside Rushcliffe.
- Requesting less than £500 or more than £2,000.
- Applying for general running costs.
- Submitting unclear aims or outcomes.
- Failing to provide evidence of need.
- Ignoring accessibility or cultural relevance.
- Missing the reporting requirement.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Clearly explain the local need.
- Show how residents will benefit.
- Include measurable outcomes.
- Demonstrate accessibility and inclusivity.
- Provide a realistic budget.
- Explain how the project reduces isolation or improves wellbeing.
- Include plans for sustainability.
- Show how the activity will be completed within one year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rushcliffe Community Wellbeing Fund?
It is a grant fund supporting community-led projects that improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and address cost of living pressures in Rushcliffe.
How much funding is available?
Grants range from £500 to £2,000.
Who can apply?
Town and parish councils, local groups, and community organisations may apply.
Where must projects take place?
Projects must take place within the Borough of Rushcliffe.
What types of projects are supported?
Supported projects include volunteering, befriending, sports, arts, heritage, cultural activities, food sharing, green space improvements, wellbeing activities, and cost of living support.
What organisations are not eligible?
Profit-making organisations and politically affiliated organisations are not eligible.
When must projects be completed?
Projects must be delivered within one year and completed with a findings report before the end of March 2027.
Conclusion
The Rushcliffe Community Wellbeing Fund 2026/27 supports local organisations and councils to deliver practical community projects that improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and help residents manage cost of living pressures. With grants of £500 to £2,000, the fund strengthens participation, inclusion, and community connection across the Borough of Rushcliffe.
For more information, visit Rushcliffe Borough Council.