Applications Open for Hull Community Fund (UK)

The Hull Community Fund provides grants to small voluntary and community organisations in Hull to support projects that improve wellbeing, strengthen communities, and address local challenges. The fund supports activity-based projects and organisational development initiatives focused on health, inclusion, education, culture, volunteering, and environmental improvements.

About the Hull Community Fund

The Hull Community Fund supports small voluntary and community organisations working to improve the lives of people living in Hull. The programme provides financial assistance for community-led activities and organisational improvements that create positive social impact.

The fund was established through a partnership between:

Hull City Council
Hull CVS
HEY Smile Foundation
Forum CIO
Two Ridings Community Foundation

Since launching in 2024, the fund has supported local community groups and initiatives that strengthen community connections, improve quality of life, and respond to local needs.

Purpose of the Grant Program

The Hull Community Fund aims to strengthen Hull’s voluntary and community sector by supporting organisations that:

Improve community wellbeing.
Reduce social isolation.
Support vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
Increase inclusion and participation.
Develop local skills and volunteering opportunities.
Protect and improve the local environment.
Create stronger, more connected communities.

The programme recognises the important role small community organisations play in delivering services and creating positive change.

Funding Streams Available

The Hull Community Fund provides two types of grants:

Activity Grants

Activity Grants support specific community projects and activities.

Funding details:

Grant amount: Up to £2,000.
Purpose: Support community activities that create direct benefits for local residents.
Suitable for: Events, programmes, workshops, and community initiatives.

Examples of supported activities include:

Community wellbeing activities.
Social connection events.
Cultural activities.
Skills development programmes.
Environmental projects.

Organisational Development Grants

Organisational Development Grants support organisations that want to strengthen their structure, improve sustainability, or develop new approaches.

Funding details:

Grant amount: Up to £10,000.
Purpose: Support strategic organisational improvements.
Suitable for: Developing systems, improving capacity, and strengthening infrastructure.

Funding may support:

Organisational planning.
Development of new services.
Improving operational systems.
Strengthening community impact.
Building organisational resilience.

Priority Areas Supported

The Hull Community Fund prioritises projects that address key community needs.

Supported areas include:

Health and Wellbeing

Projects may support:

Mental health improvement.
Healthy lifestyles.
Community wellbeing activities.
Support for people experiencing isolation.

Support for Older and Vulnerable People

The fund encourages initiatives that help:

Older residents.
People facing social challenges.
Individuals experiencing disadvantage.
People with limited access to services.

Inclusion and Equality

Projects should help remove barriers and increase participation for groups facing difficulties accessing support.

Examples include:

Inclusive community activities.
Support programmes for disadvantaged groups.
Accessible services.

Education and Skills Development

Funding may support:

Employability skills.
Training opportunities.
Volunteering development.
Learning programmes.

Culture, Heritage and Arts

The fund supports:

Community arts projects.
Cultural events.
Heritage activities.
Increased accessibility to cultural experiences.

Environmental Improvements

Projects may include:

Biodiversity improvements.
Community environmental activities.
Green initiatives.
Local sustainability projects.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Small voluntary organisations.
Community organisations.
Charitable organisations.
Groups with charitable aims.

Applicants must:

Be based in Hull or provide services to Hull residents.
Have an annual turnover below £250,000.
Demonstrate community benefit.
Deliver activities aligned with the fund priorities.

Additional Requirements for Organisational Development Grants

Organisations applying for Organisational Development Grants must:

Submit an expression of interest first.
Be shortlisted before completing a full application.
Demonstrate how funding will strengthen organisational development.

Previous recipients of Organisational Development Grants can only apply for Activity Grants during the current funding round.

Why This Fund Matters

Small community organisations often provide essential support but may face challenges related to funding, capacity, and sustainability.

The Hull Community Fund helps organisations:

Continue delivering valuable services.
Develop stronger systems.
Reach more community members.
Improve local wellbeing.
Create long-term positive change.

By investing in grassroots organisations, the fund helps communities become more connected, inclusive, and resilient.

How to Apply

Organisations should follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm that your organisation:

Has charitable aims.
Operates in Hull or benefits Hull residents.
Has a turnover below £250,000.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Grant

Choose between:

Activity Grant for specific community activities.
Organisational Development Grant for strategic organisational improvements.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Applications should explain:

The community need being addressed.
The project or organisational development plan.
Expected outcomes.
How funding will benefit local people.
The proposed budget.

Step 4: Submit Required Information

Applicants should provide supporting details demonstrating:

Organisational purpose.
Financial responsibility.
Community impact.
Ability to deliver the proposed work.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Clearly explain the local need.
Show how residents will benefit.
Provide realistic budgets.
Demonstrate community involvement.
Explain how activities create long-term impact.
Highlight partnerships and collaboration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying without meeting eligibility criteria.
Requesting funding without explaining community benefits.
Focusing only on organisational costs instead of outcomes.
Submitting unclear budgets.
Missing required application stages for Organisational Development Grants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Hull Community Fund?

The Hull Community Fund provides grants to small voluntary and community organisations in Hull to support projects that improve wellbeing, strengthen communities, and address local needs.

How much funding can organisations receive?

Organisations can apply for up to £2,000 through Activity Grants or up to £10,000 through Organisational Development Grants.

Who can apply for the Hull Community Fund?

Small voluntary and community organisations with charitable aims and an annual turnover under £250,000 can apply if they are based in Hull or serve Hull residents.

What types of projects are supported?

The fund supports projects related to health, wellbeing, inclusion, education, volunteering, culture, arts, heritage, and environmental improvements.

Can funding support organisational costs?

Yes, reasonable overhead costs may be included through full cost recovery principles, but overheads should not be the main focus of the funding request.

What is the difference between Activity Grants and Organisational Development Grants?

Activity Grants support specific community projects, while Organisational Development Grants help organisations improve their systems, capacity, and long-term sustainability.

Can previous grant recipients apply again?

Previous Organisational Development Grant recipients may apply only for Activity Grants in the current funding round.

Conclusion

The Hull Community Fund provides valuable support for small voluntary and community organisations working to improve lives across Hull. By funding community activities and organisational development, the programme strengthens local services, promotes inclusion, improves wellbeing, and helps communities create lasting positive change.