Deadline: 27-Jul-2026
The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) supports VCSE organisations in Kirklees to improve coordination, strengthen partnerships, and make local support systems easier to access for residents. It focuses on “behind-the-scenes” infrastructure such as referral pathways, collaboration, shared intelligence, and service navigation rather than frontline delivery alone. Grants range from £2,000 to £10,000 and are administered by One Community Foundation on behalf of Kirklees Council.
Overview of the Fund
The Crisis and Resilience Fund is delivered by Kirklees Council and administered by One Community Foundation.
It supports VCSE organisations working across Kirklees to improve how services connect and collaborate.
Unlike traditional service delivery grants, this fund prioritizes system improvement and coordination capacity.
Core Purpose of the Fund
Strengthening Local Support Systems
- Improve how organisations work together
- Build stronger referral pathways
- Reduce duplication of services
- Improve access for residents
Creating a “No Wrong Door” Approach
- Ensure residents can access help from any entry point
- Improve cross-referrals between services
- Reduce gaps in support networks
Building Shared Intelligence
- Develop shared learning across organisations
- Improve data sharing and insight
- Strengthen feedback loops
Improving Navigation for Residents
- Help people understand available support
- Improve signposting and guidance
- Support frontline staff with better tools
Key Funding Themes
1. Community Coordination and Partnership Working
Focus: improving collaboration between organisations
Eligible activities:
- Coordination roles linking VCSE and statutory services
- Multi-agency networks and forums
- Joint service delivery projects
- Shared agreements and working protocols
Examples:
- Community connector roles
- Local partnership boards
- Cross-organisation collaboration projects
- Referral pathway agreements
2. Referral Pathways and Access to Support
Focus: improving navigation and access to services
Eligible activities:
- Mapping local services
- Improving directories and digital tools
- Strengthening warm referral systems
- Outreach and awareness campaigns
Examples:
- Community service directories
- Drop-in navigation support
- Telephone or in-person signposting services
- Improved referral tracking systems
3. Community Infrastructure and Capability
Focus: strengthening organisational systems and capacity
Eligible activities:
- Shared advice hubs or coordination spaces
- Training for staff and volunteers
- Improved internal systems (referrals, case management)
- Development of infrastructure for collaboration
Examples:
- Shared community hubs
- Staff training on partnership working
- Digital referral systems
- Pop-up advice centres
4. Community Insight, Learning and Coproduction
Focus: using lived experience to improve services
Eligible activities:
- Gathering community feedback and insight
- Co-production with residents
- Sharing learning across organisations
- Developing evidence-based improvements
Examples:
- Listening exercises with residents
- Co-production working groups
- Case studies and learning reports
- Community feedback forums
Funding Details
Grant Size and Conditions
- Minimum: £2,000
- Maximum: £10,000
- Must support coordination and system improvement activities
Funding Rounds (2026)
Round One
- Opens: 15 June 2026
- Closes: 27 July 2026
- Project start: from 1 September 2026
- Completion/reporting deadline: 20 March 2027
Round Two
- Opens: 24 August 2026
- Closes: 2 October 2026
- Project start: to be confirmed
- Completion/reporting deadline: 20 March 2027
Applicants may apply to both rounds.
Eligible Applicants
- VCSE organisations operating in Kirklees
- Organisations capable of partnership working and coordination delivery
- Groups contributing to local support systems improvement
Required Documentation
Applicants must provide:
- Signed constitution or governing document
- Latest accounts or cash flow statement (if new)
- Recent organisation bank statement
Why This Fund Matters
The CRF focuses on fixing system-level gaps rather than funding isolated services. It helps organisations work better together, improving how residents experience local support.
Key impacts:
- Reduces duplication across services
- Strengthens collaboration and trust between organisations
- Improves access to support for residents
- Builds shared learning and coordination systems
- Enhances efficiency of local VCSE infrastructure
How the Funding Works
Step 1: Identify Coordination Gap
- Assess where local systems are fragmented
- Identify referral or access challenges
Step 2: Design System-Focused Project
- Focus on collaboration or infrastructure
- Avoid standalone frontline service design
Step 3: Build Partnership Approach
- Engage multiple organisations if possible
- Define roles and referral links
Step 4: Submit Application
- Provide governance documents and financial evidence
- Clearly explain system-level outcomes
Step 5: Implementation
- Deliver coordination, training, or infrastructure activity
- Build partnerships and shared systems
Step 6: Reporting
- Submit monitoring information by deadline
- Demonstrate improvements in coordination and access
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for direct service delivery only
- Lack of collaboration or partnership focus
- Weak explanation of system-level impact
- Missing governance or financial documents
- Projects not improving coordination or referral pathways
Tips for a Strong Application
- Emphasize “system change” not just service delivery
- Show clear partnership structures
- Demonstrate improved referral pathways
- Include measurable coordination outcomes
- Highlight resident experience improvements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crisis and Resilience Fund?
It is a grant program supporting VCSE organisations in Kirklees to improve coordination and access to local services.
What is the funding range?
Between £2,000 and £10,000 per project.
Who can apply?
VCSE organisations operating in Kirklees.
What is the main focus of the fund?
Improving collaboration, referral systems, and service navigation.
Can funding support frontline services?
Only if they directly strengthen coordination systems.
How many rounds are there?
Two rounds in 2026.
Who administers the fund?
One Community Foundation on behalf of Kirklees Council.
Conclusion
The Crisis and Resilience Fund is designed to strengthen the “connective tissue” of local support systems in Kirklees. By funding coordination, referral pathways, and shared learning, it improves how services work together and ensures residents can access help more effectively and efficiently.
For more information, visit One Community Foundation.