Deadline: 06-Jul-2026
The Heart of England Community Foundation is offering grants to support projects that address local needs and strengthen communities in Coventry, with some funding also available for projects in Warwickshire. The programme provides grants of up to £2,000 through the Small Fund and up to £10,000 through the Large Fund to reduce loneliness, strengthen community connections, and support vulnerable people.
Overview
The Heart of England Community Foundation supports community organisations that help local people become better off through life.
This funding programme focuses on Better Connections, encouraging projects that reduce isolation, strengthen social relationships, and improve wellbeing for vulnerable individuals and communities.
Priority is given to projects based in Coventry, although eligible projects from Warwickshire may also be considered.
Key Details
- Funder: Heart of England Community Foundation
- Location: Coventry (priority) and Warwickshire
- Grant duration: Funds must be spent within one year
- Small Fund: Up to £2,000
- Large Fund: Up to £10,000
- Eligible applicants: Community and charitable organisations
- Maximum organisational income: £500,000 per year
Focus Areas
The programme supports projects that strengthen community wellbeing and social inclusion.
Key focus areas include:
- Better Connections
- Reducing loneliness
- Tackling isolation
- Supporting vulnerable people
- Friendship groups
- Community activities
- Social inclusion
- Community engagement
- Volunteer support
- Local wellbeing
Key Concepts Explained
What is Better Connections?
Better Connections refers to activities that help people build stronger relationships, reduce loneliness, and become more connected to their communities.
Why Reducing Isolation Matters
Loneliness and social isolation can negatively affect physical health, mental wellbeing, and quality of life. Community-based activities help people build friendships, improve confidence, and access local support.
What is Community Wellbeing?
Community wellbeing refers to improving people’s social, emotional, and practical support through local organisations, activities, and services.
Funding Streams
Small Fund
- Maximum grant: £2,000
Suitable for smaller community projects and local initiatives.
Large Fund
- Maximum grant: £10,000
Suitable for larger projects that deliver wider community impact.
All grants must be used within 12 months of the award.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must have been operating for at least one year.
Eligible organisations include:
- Registered charities
- Constituted community groups
- Companies limited by guarantee with charitable aims
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Community Benefit Societies
- Industrial and Provident Societies
- Social enterprises
Mutual Aid groups may also apply if they:
- Work in partnership with a constituted group or registered charity.
- Have the partner organisation hold the funding on their behalf.
Applicants must have an annual income of £500,000 or less, based on their latest annual accounts.
Eligible Costs
Funding may support costs that are directly related to the proposed project, including:
- Staff salaries
- Equipment
- Volunteer expenses
All costs should be clearly explained and included in the project budget.
What the Fund Does Not Support
The programme does not fund:
- Individuals
- Sole traders
- Capital building projects
- Religious activities
- Political activities
- Deficit funding
- Loan repayments
- Fundraising events
- Organisations with significant financial reserves
- Statutory work in educational institutions
- Contact sports
- Projects solely promoting a particular religion
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Check that your organisation has operated for at least one year and has an annual income of £500,000 or less.
Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Funding Stream
Decide whether your project is suitable for:
- Small Fund (up to £2,000), or
- Large Fund (up to £10,000)
Step 3: Develop the Project
Design a project that strengthens community connections, reduces loneliness, or supports vulnerable people.
Step 4: Prepare the Budget
Include only eligible costs such as salaries, equipment, and volunteer expenses that directly support project delivery.
Step 5: Demonstrate Community Need
Explain how the project responds to local needs in Coventry or Warwickshire and how it will improve social connections.
Step 6: Submit the Application
Complete and submit the application following the Foundation’s funding guidelines.
Why It Matters
Strong community connections improve health, wellbeing, and resilience.
This funding helps organisations:
- Reduce loneliness.
- Support isolated residents.
- Build stronger communities.
- Encourage volunteering.
- Improve social inclusion.
- Create safe community spaces.
- Strengthen local support networks.
- Improve quality of life for vulnerable people.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying as an individual or sole trader.
- Requesting funding for capital building projects.
- Including ineligible activities such as political or religious promotion.
- Applying with annual income above £500,000.
- Submitting an unclear project budget.
- Failing to explain community need.
- Requesting funding for loan repayments or deficit funding.
- Proposing projects outside the programme priorities.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Clearly explain the local need.
- Demonstrate how the project reduces loneliness or isolation.
- Show measurable community benefits.
- Prepare a realistic and detailed budget.
- Highlight partnerships with local organisations where appropriate.
- Explain how vulnerable people will benefit.
- Ensure activities can be completed within one year.
- Demonstrate organisational experience and capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Registered charities, constituted community groups, Community Interest Companies, social enterprises, Community Benefit Societies, Industrial and Provident Societies, and other eligible organisations may apply.
How much funding is available?
The Small Fund offers grants of up to £2,000, while the Large Fund provides grants of up to £10,000.
Which areas are prioritised?
Priority is given to projects based in Coventry, although eligible projects in Warwickshire may also be considered.
What projects are supported?
Projects that reduce loneliness, strengthen community connections, support vulnerable people, and improve social wellbeing are supported.
Can Mutual Aid groups apply?
Yes. Mutual Aid groups may apply if they work through a constituted organisation or registered charity that will hold the grant funds.
What costs can be funded?
Eligible costs include salaries, equipment, and volunteer expenses that are directly related to the project.
What activities are not eligible?
The fund does not support individuals, sole traders, capital projects, political or religious activities, fundraising events, loan repayments, statutory educational work, contact sports, or projects solely promoting a particular religion.
Conclusion
The Heart of England Community Foundation provides grants of up to £10,000 to help community organisations strengthen social connections and improve wellbeing across Coventry and, where appropriate, Warwickshire. By supporting projects that reduce isolation and loneliness, the programme helps build stronger, more inclusive communities where vulnerable people can access meaningful social support and opportunities.
For more information, visit Heart of England Community Foundation.