Deadline: 06-Jul-2026
The Alan Higgs Community Grants support grassroots organisations in Coventry and Warwickshire working to reduce poverty, strengthen communities, and deliver charitable services. The fund prioritizes projects that support children and young people, employment, and local economic development. Grants of up to £1,000 are available for small community-led initiatives, with funding required to cover at least 50% of total project costs.
Overview of the Fund
The Alan Higgs Community Grants are part of the broader grant-making work of the Alan Higgs Charity. The program is designed to strengthen local communities in Coventry and Warwickshire by funding small-scale, high-impact grassroots initiatives.
It focuses on practical community needs, especially for vulnerable groups and young people.
Key Focus Areas
Poverty Relief and Social Support
- Supporting individuals and families facing financial hardship
- Initiatives that improve access to essential services
- Community-based welfare support projects
Community Development
- Local projects that strengthen neighbourhood cohesion
- Activities that improve community wellbeing
- Grassroots social development initiatives
Employment and Economic Support
- Skills development and employability projects
- Job readiness and training initiatives
- Local economic participation and inclusion
Children and Young People (Priority Area)
- Youth engagement programs
- Educational support initiatives
- Activities that improve wellbeing and opportunity for young people
General Charitable Purposes
- Flexible support for community-driven needs
- Small-scale charitable interventions
- Local innovation in service delivery
Funding Details
- Maximum grant: £1,000
- Funding must cover at least 50% of total project cost
- Funds must be used within 1 year
- Suitable for small-scale or pilot initiatives
Eligible Uses of Funding
Grants can be used for:
Start-Up Costs
- Launching new community projects
- Establishing new grassroots organisations
Project Expansion
- Extending existing services
- Scaling successful local initiatives
Equipment and Resources
- Purchasing tools, materials, or equipment
- Supporting delivery of community activities
Who Is Eligible
Eligible Organisations
- Registered charities
- Constituted community groups
- Companies limited by guarantee with charitable aims
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Co-operatives, including:
- Community Benefit Societies
- Industrial and Provident Societies
- Social enterprises
Geographic Requirement
- Must be based in:
- Coventry OR
- Warwickshire
Priority Consideration
- Projects supporting children and young people receive priority
Why This Fund Matters
This grant helps strengthen local resilience by funding small, community-led solutions to poverty and social inequality. It ensures grassroots organisations can deliver targeted support where larger funding schemes may not reach.
Key impacts:
- Reduces local poverty and social exclusion
- Strengthens community networks
- Supports youth development and opportunity
- Encourages local innovation in service delivery
- Builds capacity of grassroots organisations
How the Funding Works
Step 1: Project Identification
- Identify a local community need
- Design a small-scale project addressing that need
Step 2: Budget Planning
- Ensure total project cost is defined
- Confirm at least 50% match funding or contribution
Step 3: Application Submission
- Submit proposal through the grant program
- Include project goals, outcomes, and timeline
Step 4: Assessment
- Applications reviewed based on impact and eligibility
- Priority given to youth-focused initiatives
Step 5: Funding Award
- Grants of up to £1,000 awarded
- Funds must be spent within 12 months
Step 6: Project Delivery
- Implement project locally
- Track outcomes and community impact
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without meeting geographic eligibility
- Not securing 50% of total project funding
- Submitting overly large or complex project proposals
- Lack of clear community benefit
- Weak focus on children and youth priority area
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define local community need
- Keep project scope realistic and small-scale
- Emphasize measurable community impact
- Highlight youth engagement if applicable
- Show clear budget breakdown and funding match
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Alan Higgs Community Grants fund?
It is a small grant program supporting grassroots organisations in Coventry and Warwickshire to address poverty and community needs.
How much funding is available?
Up to £1,000 per project.
Who can apply?
Registered charities, CICs, social enterprises, and other eligible grassroots organisations based in Coventry or Warwickshire.
What can the funding be used for?
Start-up costs, project expansion, and equipment or resources.
Is match funding required?
Yes, at least 50% of the total project cost must come from other sources.
How long must the funding be used within?
Within one year of receiving the grant.
Who gets priority?
Projects supporting children and young people.
Conclusion
The Alan Higgs Community Grants provide small but impactful funding to grassroots organisations in Coventry and Warwickshire. By prioritizing poverty reduction and youth development, the fund strengthens local communities through practical, community-led initiatives.
For more information, visit Heart of England Community Foundation.