Open Call: Common Barn Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund (UK)

The Cambridgeshire Community Foundation provides grants to support projects that improve quality of life across Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom. With more than 50 grant funds available, the programme supports community organisations, charities, and selected individuals working on local priorities, including social inclusion, wellbeing, resilience, and community development.

Grant amounts vary depending on the specific fund, with organisational grants starting from £1,500 and average awards of approximately £4,500. Applicants must select the most suitable fund, follow application requirements, and demonstrate how their project benefits local communities.

What Are Cambridgeshire Community Foundation Grants?

The Cambridgeshire Community Foundation Grant Programme provides financial support for projects that create positive change across Cambridgeshire.

The Foundation manages more than 50 different grant funds, each designed to address specific community needs and priorities.

Depending on the fund, grants may support:

• Specific social issues
• Particular geographic areas
• Target beneficiary groups
• Community improvement initiatives
• Local development projects

Each fund has its own objectives, eligibility requirements, application process, and funding limits.

Why Cambridgeshire Community Foundation Grants Matter

Community organisations often work directly with local people to address social challenges, improve wellbeing, and create stronger communities.

The Foundation supports these efforts by:

• Funding grassroots community initiatives
• Supporting vulnerable groups
• Encouraging local solutions to local challenges
• Improving access to services and opportunities
• Strengthening community networks
• Promoting long-term social impact

The programme enables organisations to deliver projects that improve the quality of life for residents across Cambridgeshire.

Funding Priorities and Areas of Support

The Foundation’s grants cover a wide range of community priorities.

Depending on the selected fund, support may focus on:

Community Development Projects

Funding may support projects that:

• Build stronger communities
• Increase local participation
• Encourage volunteering
• Improve neighbourhood connections

Social Inclusion and Support

Projects may help:

• Reduce isolation
• Support disadvantaged groups
• Improve equality and access
• Strengthen community participation

Health and Wellbeing Initiatives

Funding may support activities that improve:

• Physical wellbeing
• Mental health support
• Community care services
• Healthy lifestyles

Community Resilience Projects

Some funds may support projects that help communities:

• Respond to local challenges
• Build stronger support networks
• Develop sustainable solutions

Targeted Community Funds

Some grant programmes focus on:

• Specific locations within Cambridgeshire
• Particular groups of beneficiaries
• Specific community challenges

Applicants should review individual fund priorities before applying.

Available Grant Amounts

Funding amounts depend on the specific grant fund.

General funding information includes:

• Minimum grant for organisations: £1,500
• Average grant awarded: £4,500

The final funding amount may vary based on:

• Fund availability
• Project objectives
• Community impact
• Number of applications received
• Specific fund criteria

Some funds may provide different levels of support.

Who Can Apply for Cambridgeshire Community Foundation Grants?

Most grants are available to organisations delivering projects in Cambridgeshire.

Eligible applicants may include:

• Charities
• Community groups
• Voluntary organisations
• Social impact organisations
• Local initiatives

A limited number of funds also support individuals.

However, individual applicants must usually apply through an approved referral organisation.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A connection to Cambridgeshire
• A clear community benefit
• Alignment with the selected fund’s priorities
• Ability to deliver the proposed project
• Responsible management of grant funding

Specific eligibility conditions depend on the chosen funding programme.

Types of Projects That May Receive Funding

Examples of eligible projects may include:

• Community support activities
• Youth programmes
• Volunteer initiatives
• Educational projects
• Social inclusion programmes
• Wellbeing activities
• Local improvement projects
• Support services for vulnerable communities

Funding decisions are based on the objectives of each individual grant fund.

How to Apply for Cambridgeshire Community Foundation Grants

Applicants should follow a structured application process.

Step 1: Identify the Most Suitable Grant Fund

Applicants should review available funds and select the programme that best matches their project.

Consider:

• Location requirements
• Target beneficiaries
• Funding priorities
• Grant size
• Application deadlines

Step 2: Check Application Requirements

Most funds use a general application form.

However, some funds require a dedicated application process.

Dedicated application funds include:

• Street Aid
• StayWell
• Oil Crisis & Resilience Fund
• Co-op Community Cares Fund
• Thalia WB Community Fund
• Tees Better Future Fund
• Anglian Water Thriving Communities Fund

Applicants should ensure they use the correct form.

Step 3: Prepare Project Details

A strong application should explain:

• The community need being addressed
• Project activities
• Target beneficiaries
• Expected outcomes
• Budget requirements
• Long-term impact

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applicants should submit their application according to the requirements of the selected fund.

Organisations are encouraged to submit only one application per funding round.

Step 5: Deliver and Report Project Outcomes

Successful applicants may be required to:

• Use funding for approved activities
• Track project progress
• Measure outcomes
• Provide updates or reports

Multiple Application Rules

The Foundation encourages organisations to submit only one application per funding round.

This approach helps ensure fair competition among applicants.

However, exceptions apply to certain dedicated funds.

Organisations applying through dedicated application forms may also submit a second application using the general application form.

Eligible exceptions include:

• Street Aid
• StayWell
• Oil Crisis & Resilience Fund
• Co-op Community Cares Fund
• Thalia WB Community Fund
• Tees Better Future Fund
• Anglian Water Thriving Communities Fund

Tips for a Strong Grant Application

Applicants can improve their chances by:

• Selecting the correct funding programme
• Clearly explaining community need
• Demonstrating measurable outcomes
• Showing how the project improves quality of life
• Providing realistic budgets
• Explaining who benefits and why
• Connecting the project with fund priorities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying to a fund that does not match their project
• Submitting multiple applications without checking rules
• Providing unclear project descriptions
• Failing to demonstrate community impact
• Ignoring eligibility requirements
• Leaving application sections incomplete

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation Grants Programme?

The programme provides funding for projects that improve quality of life and strengthen communities across Cambridgeshire.

How many grant funds does the Foundation offer?

The Foundation manages more than 50 different grant funds, each with its own priorities and eligibility criteria.

How much funding can organisations receive?

The minimum organisational grant is £1,500, and the average grant is approximately £4,500. Funding levels vary depending on the selected fund.

Who can apply for the grants?

Most grants support organisations such as charities, community groups, and voluntary organisations working in Cambridgeshire. Some funds also support individuals through referral organisations.

Can organisations submit more than one application?

Generally, applicants should submit only one application per funding round. Some dedicated funds allow an additional application through the general application process.

Can individuals apply directly?

A limited number of funds support individuals, but applications usually need to be submitted through a referral organisation.

Are all grant funds open for the same type of projects?

No. Each fund has different priorities, which may focus on specific causes, locations, or beneficiary groups.

Conclusion

The Cambridgeshire Community Foundation Grants Programme provides valuable funding opportunities for organisations and communities working to improve lives across Cambridgeshire.

With more than 50 grant funds available, applicants can access support for projects addressing local needs, strengthening communities, and improving social wellbeing.

Successful applications should clearly demonstrate community benefit, strong project planning, and alignment with the goals of the chosen funding programme.