Apply Now: Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund (UK)

Deadline: 07-Aug-2026

The Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund provides grants of up to £10,000 to voluntary and community sector organisations delivering services that address priority social needs in Northamptonshire. The fund supports projects focused on reducing inequality, improving health and wellbeing, supporting children and young people, strengthening rural communities, improving skills, and enhancing community safety.

The programme aims to support direct community services that respond to needs identified through the Hidden Needs report for Northamptonshire and improve outcomes for disadvantaged communities.

Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund Overview

The Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund provides financial support to voluntary and community sector organisations working to improve lives across Northamptonshire.

The fund supports projects that respond to local challenges and provide practical services for communities experiencing disadvantage, inequality, or barriers to opportunity.

Funding is designed for organisations delivering direct community support activities that address priority needs identified in the Hidden Needs report for Northamptonshire.

The programme focuses on strengthening communities by supporting services that improve:

• Social inclusion
• Health and wellbeing
• Education and skills development
• Community safety
• Living conditions
• Support for vulnerable groups

Purpose of the Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund

The main purpose of the fund is to support voluntary and community organisations delivering services that create positive social impact in Northamptonshire.

The fund helps organisations:

• Respond to local community needs
• Reduce inequality and deprivation
• Improve access to support services
• Strengthen community resilience
• Support vulnerable and disadvantaged groups

The programme prioritises projects that provide practical benefits directly to local residents.

Why the Fund Matters

Many communities face challenges related to poverty, isolation, limited opportunities, health inequalities, and access to essential services.

Community organisations play an important role in addressing these challenges by providing:

• Local support services
• Skills development opportunities
• Wellbeing activities
• Community connections
• Support for vulnerable people

The Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund helps strengthen these organisations so they can continue delivering valuable services to Northamptonshire communities.

Key Funding Priorities

The fund supports projects addressing a range of community needs.

Supporting Rural Communities

Funding may support activities that improve opportunities and services for people living in rural areas.

Examples include:

• Community activities
• Local support programmes
• Services improving rural access and inclusion

Reducing Inequality and Deprivation

Projects may support communities experiencing disadvantage through:

• Access to support services
• Inclusion initiatives
• Community development activities
• Poverty reduction programmes

Improving Health and Wellbeing

The fund supports activities that promote positive physical and mental wellbeing.

Examples include:

• Health improvement programmes
• Wellbeing activities
• Community support services

Supporting Children and Young People

Projects may address disadvantages faced by children and young people through:

• Youth programmes
• Learning activities
• Support services
• Development opportunities

Education, Skills and Training Opportunities

The fund supports activities that improve learning and personal development.

Examples include:

• Skills training
• Educational programmes
• Employability support
• Learning opportunities

Supporting Older People

Projects may provide services that improve quality of life for older residents.

Activities may include:

• Social connection programmes
• Support services
• Community participation activities

Improving Housing and Living Environments

Funding may support activities that help improve living conditions and community environments.

Examples include:

• Housing-related support activities
• Community improvement initiatives
• Living environment projects

Reducing Crime and Improving Community Safety

The fund supports projects that help create safer communities.

Activities may include:

• Crime prevention initiatives
• Community safety programmes
• Support activities that reduce risks

Who Is Eligible for the Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund?

Eligible applicants include:

• Voluntary sector organisations
• Community sector organisations
• Non-profit organisations delivering community services

Applicants must demonstrate that their activities:

• Address local community needs
• Align with the fund priorities
• Provide direct benefits to Northamptonshire residents

Organisations should clearly explain how their project responds to identified needs within the community.

Funding Amount

Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to:

£10,000 per project

Funding should support activities that directly address priority community needs.

Applicants should provide a clear explanation of:

• Project activities
• Expected outcomes
• Community benefits
• Budget requirements

What Can the Grant Support?

The fund supports direct services and activities delivered by voluntary and community organisations.

Eligible activities may include:

• Community programmes
• Support services
• Training activities
• Wellbeing initiatives
• Youth activities
• Older people support programmes
• Skills development projects
• Community safety activities

Projects should demonstrate clear social benefits for local communities.

Restrictions on Funding

The fund does not support certain costs and activities.

Overhead Costs

Administrative or overhead costs are limited.

The fund does not support:

• Overhead costs exceeding 10% of the requested grant amount

This limit does not apply to staff costs.

Capital Costs

Funding cannot be used for major capital expenses, including:

• Building works
• Property purchases
• Large-scale infrastructure improvements

Other Ineligible Activities

The fund does not support:

• Profit-making organisations or businesses
• Statutory services
• Political activities
• Activities that do not align with community priorities

How to Apply for the Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund

Applicants should follow a clear application process to demonstrate the need and impact of their project.

Step 1: Identify Community Needs

Applicants should identify the local issue their project will address.

The application should explain:

• The community challenge
• Who will benefit
• Why support is needed

Step 2: Develop a Project Plan

Applicants should describe:

• Proposed activities
• Target beneficiaries
• Expected outcomes
• How the project aligns with fund priorities

Projects should focus on delivering measurable community benefits.

Step 3: Prepare a Project Budget

Applicants should provide a realistic budget explaining how funding will be used.

The budget should include:

• Activity costs
• Staff costs
• Materials or service expenses
• Any additional funding sources

Applicants should ensure overhead costs remain within the allowed limit.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applicants must submit their application with all required information.

The application should clearly demonstrate:

• Community need
• Project impact
• Organisational capability
• Alignment with funding priorities

Step 5: Deliver and Report Project Outcomes

Successful applicants should use funding for approved activities and demonstrate how the project benefits the community.

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying for activities unrelated to fund priorities
• Requesting funding for capital projects
• Including excessive overhead costs
• Failing to explain community impact
• Not demonstrating local need

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly describe the community problem
• Explain how the project benefits residents
• Connect activities with fund priorities
• Provide a realistic budget
• Highlight measurable outcomes
• Demonstrate experience delivering community services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund?

The fund provides grants to voluntary and community organisations delivering services that address priority needs in Northamptonshire.

How much funding can organisations receive?

Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to £10,000.

Who can apply for funding?

Voluntary sector, community sector, and non-profit organisations delivering eligible community services can apply.

What types of projects are supported?

The fund supports projects related to health and wellbeing, rural communities, education, skills training, children and young people, older people, housing, and community safety.

Can businesses apply for the grant?

No. Profit-making organisations and businesses are not eligible.

Can the grant pay for building work or property costs?

No. Capital costs such as building works and property purchases are not supported.

Can political activities receive funding?

No. Activities of a political nature are not eligible for support.

Conclusion

The Constance Travis Community Endowment Fund provides important financial support for voluntary and community organisations working to improve lives across Northamptonshire.

By funding direct community services that address inequality, improve wellbeing, support vulnerable groups, and strengthen local communities, the programme helps organisations create meaningful and lasting social impact.

For more information, visit Northamptonshire Community Foundation.