Deadline: 17-Apr-2026
The One Community Foundation Community Grants Programme provides funding of up to £3,000 to voluntary and charitable organisations in Kirklees. The programme supports both project-specific and core operational costs, strengthening local community initiatives while promoting sustainability and confidence in the voluntary sector. Certain activities, including political, religious, or completed projects, are ineligible.
Overview of the Fund
The One Community Foundation Community Grants Programme is designed to strengthen local communities in Kirklees by providing financial support to voluntary and charitable organisations. The fund enables groups to deliver projects, maintain operations, and enhance overall community impact.
Funding supports a wide range of community and charitable activities, including:
- Project costs and programme delivery
- Staffing and volunteer support
- Equipment and infrastructure
- Rent or venue costs
- Event-related expenses
The programme encourages the development of a sustainable, confident voluntary sector by enabling organisations to address both immediate and long-term needs.
Funding Details
- Maximum grant: £3,000 per organisation
- Start date: Funding available from March 1, 2023
- Flexible funding: Supports both core operational costs and project-specific expenses
- Review process: Multiple funds reviewed simultaneously by a grants panel
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Constituted voluntary, community, or faith groups run by local people
- Registered charities operating in Kirklees
- Organisations with clear charitable purposes
- Community Interest Companies (CICs) that do not and cannot distribute dividends
- Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) demonstrating community benefit, open membership, and asset protection
- Schools and associated parent/fundraising groups (e.g., PTAs or PFAs)
Ineligible applicants and projects include:
- Individuals
- Party political activities
- Religious promotion (unless part of community benefit)
- Projects already completed or paid for
- Organisations primarily supporting animals
- Charities with qualified accounts, under investigation, or with active warnings on the Charity Commission website
- Organisations failing to meet previous monitoring requirements
Why It Matters
This grant programme strengthens local community capacity by:
- Enabling organisations to maintain core operations
- Supporting events, services, and infrastructure critical to community wellbeing
- Promoting long-term sustainability and confidence in the voluntary sector
- Encouraging collaboration and resource-sharing among local groups
How to Apply / How it Works
- Check eligibility – Confirm that your organisation meets the criteria for charitable or community-focused status.
- Identify funding needs – Determine whether funding is required for projects, operational costs, or both.
- Prepare application – Include project description, budget, expected community impact, and organisational details.
- Submit application – Follow the foundation’s guidelines and deadlines.
- Assessment – The grants panel reviews applications, prioritising community benefit, sustainability, and organisational capacity.
- Grant allocation – Approved applicants receive funding with monitoring and reporting requirements.
Tips for a successful application:
- Clearly outline community need and expected impact
- Provide detailed budgets for project or core costs
- Demonstrate sustainability or long-term benefits
- Show evidence of governance and compliance with previous monitoring
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying as an individual rather than an eligible organisation
- Requesting funds for political or religious promotion
- Submitting completed projects for funding
- Overlooking compliance issues or Charity Commission warnings
- Providing vague descriptions or missing key documents
FAQ
1. Who can apply for this funding?
Voluntary, community, faith groups, registered charities, CICs, CASCs, and schools/PTAs in Kirklees.
2. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to £3,000 per organisation.
3. Can individuals apply?
No, the fund is only open to eligible organisations.
4. Are religious groups eligible?
Yes, if the project focuses on community benefit rather than promoting religion.
5. Can funding be used for operational costs?
Yes, the fund supports both project-specific and core operational expenses.
6. Are completed projects eligible?
No. Only ongoing or future initiatives are considered.
7. How is eligibility verified?
Through Charity Commission status, organisational structure, and adherence to community-focused criteria.
Conclusion
The One Community Foundation Community Grants Programme empowers Kirklees organisations to deliver meaningful community impact, sustain operations, and build confidence within the voluntary sector. By supporting a broad range of initiatives, the fund ensures local communities receive the resources needed to thrive, strengthen engagement, and address pressing social needs.
For more information, visit One Community Foundation.