Apply Now: Community Connections Small Grants (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 27-Jul-2026

The Community Connections Small Grants Scheme provides funding to help community groups, charities, and local organizations strengthen community relationships, improve wellbeing, and increase access to activities and services. The programme supports projects that bring people together, reduce social isolation, and create more inclusive and connected communities.

Delivered through the Carlton Colville, Kessingland, Southwold and Villages Community Partnership, the scheme prioritizes grassroots initiatives that strengthen local networks and improve quality of life, particularly in rural and coastal communities.

About the Grant Scheme

• The scheme supports projects that strengthen community connections.
• Funding aims to improve wellbeing, inclusion, and community cohesion.
• The programme encourages collaboration between residents, organizations, and local services.
• Projects should help people access activities and support they may not otherwise reach.
• The initiative focuses on creating stronger and more resilient communities.
• Grassroots and community-led solutions are strongly encouraged.
• Funding supports both new initiatives and enhancements to existing activities.

Grant Objectives

• Improve community cohesion.
• Strengthen local networks and partnerships.
• Increase engagement between residents and local organizations.
• Improve access to services and activities.
• Promote inclusion and participation.
• Reduce social isolation and loneliness.
• Increase awareness of local opportunities and support services.
• Improve wellbeing and quality of life.
• Promote greater equity within communities.

Priority Focus Areas

• Community connection and engagement.
• Social inclusion.
• Community wellbeing.
• Volunteer development.
• Community leadership.
• Accessibility improvements.
• Information sharing and communication.
• Rural and coastal community support.
• Partnership building.
• Reducing loneliness and isolation.

Funding Information

• Grant size: £500 to £1,500.
• Total funding available: £10,000.
• Funding can cover up to 100% of approved project costs.
• Match funding is not required but is encouraged.
• Volunteer time may be counted as match support.
• Free or discounted goods and services may also contribute as match funding.

What Can the Funding Support?

Eligible activities may include:

• Building stronger relationships between residents and community groups.
• Community engagement activities.
• Volunteer and community leader training.
• Mentoring programmes.
• Community listening and consultation exercises.
• Development of community directories and information-sharing tools.
• Improving accessibility of existing activities.
• Inclusion-focused initiatives.
• Community events that bring people together.
• Light improvements to community spaces that increase participation.
• Additional staffing costs directly related to the funded activity.

Projects should provide benefits beyond existing services and demonstrate clear community value.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Voluntary organizations.
• Community groups.
• Charities.
• Faith-based organizations.
• Social enterprises.
• Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organizations.
• Town councils.
• Parish councils.

Applicants should demonstrate strong local knowledge and community involvement.

Priority Applicants

The programme particularly encourages applications from:

• Grassroots organizations.
• Small community groups.
• Rural community organizations.
• Coastal community organizations.
• Groups supporting underserved residents.
• Organizations addressing barriers to participation and access.

Expected Outcomes

Funded projects should contribute to:

• Improved community cohesion.
• Stronger local partnerships.
• Increased participation in community activities.
• Better access to services and support.
• Greater inclusion of underrepresented groups.
• Reduced loneliness and social isolation.
• Improved wellbeing among residents.
• Increased awareness of local opportunities and services.
• Stronger community networks and resilience.

Monitoring and Reporting Requirements

Successful applicants must:

• Use the funding within 12 months of receiving the grant.
• Complete post-project monitoring requirements.
• Provide information on participant experiences.
• Report attendance and participation figures.
• Share outcomes and achievements.
• Submit case studies where appropriate.
• Provide evidence demonstrating project impact.

Why This Grant Matters

• Strong community connections contribute to better wellbeing and resilience.
• Social isolation remains a challenge in many communities, particularly rural and coastal areas.
• Local organizations play a vital role in supporting residents and creating opportunities for participation.
• Inclusive activities help ensure that more people can access services and support.
• Community-led solutions are often the most effective at addressing local needs.
• Building stronger networks helps communities respond to future challenges more effectively.

Application Tips

• Clearly explain how the project will strengthen community connections.
• Demonstrate the need for the proposed activity.
• Show how the project will improve inclusion and accessibility.
• Describe the benefits for local residents.
• Include realistic outcomes and impact measures.
• Explain how the project complements existing activities.
• Highlight partnerships and community support.
• Provide a clear and realistic budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Community Connections Small Grants Scheme?

• It is a funding programme that supports projects designed to strengthen community relationships, improve wellbeing, and increase inclusion across local communities.

How much funding can organizations apply for?

• Grants ranging from £500 to £1,500 are available.

What is the total funding available?

• The programme has a total funding pot of £10,000.

Who can apply?

• Eligible applicants include community groups, charities, faith organizations, social enterprises, town councils, and parish councils.

Can funding cover staff costs?

• Yes. New or additional staff costs directly related to the funded activity may be supported.

Is match funding required?

• No. Funding can cover up to 100% of approved project costs, although match funding is encouraged.

How long do funded projects have to use the grant?

• Funding must be used for the approved project, service, or event within 12 months.

Conclusion

The Community Connections Small Grants Scheme provides valuable support for organizations working to strengthen community relationships, improve wellbeing, and increase inclusion across Carlton Colville, Kessingland, Southwold, and surrounding villages. With grants of up to £1,500, the programme helps local groups create meaningful opportunities for participation, reduce social isolation, and build stronger, more connected communities.

For more information, visit East Suffolk Council.