Open Call for Horncastle Health and Wellbeing Fund (UK)

The Horncastle Health and Wellbeing Fund provides grants to support not-for-profit community organisations delivering projects that improve the physical health, mental health, and overall wellbeing of residents in and around Horncastle. The fund supports grassroots initiatives that create positive local impact through community-led health, wellbeing, and support activities.

The programme distributes £13,200 annually to eligible organisations, with individual project grants of up to £2,000 available for activities that strengthen community health and improve quality of life.

About the Horncastle Health and Wellbeing Fund

The Horncastle Health and Wellbeing Fund aims to support local projects that address health challenges and promote stronger, healthier communities.

The fund focuses on:

Improving physical health outcomes.
Supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Creating opportunities for community participation.
Strengthening grassroots not-for-profit organisations.
Supporting locally designed solutions to health and wellbeing needs.

The fund prioritises smaller community organisations that directly support residents and deliver meaningful local activities.

Purpose of the Grant Programme

The main objective of the fund is to improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of people living in Horncastle and surrounding areas.

Supported projects should help communities by:

Increasing access to health and wellbeing activities.
Reducing social isolation.
Supporting positive lifestyle changes.
Encouraging community connection and participation.
Providing practical support for local residents.

Funding Available

The fund provides:

Maximum grant amount: £2,000 per project.
Annual fund value: £13,200.

Funding is available for projects delivered within:

A 10-mile radius of Horncastle.
Priority is given to projects located within Horncastle itself.

Groups can only hold one active grant at a time.

Application Deadlines and Grant Timeline

Applications are accepted twice each year.

Application deadlines:

1 March
1 September

After submission:

Funding decisions are normally communicated within six to eight weeks after the closing date.
Payments are usually made in advance.
Grant funding should normally be spent within one year unless another arrangement is approved.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Not-for-profit community groups.
Registered charities.
Social enterprises.
Sports organisations.
Similar community-based organisations.

Priority will be given to:

Small grassroots organisations.
Community groups with strong local involvement.
Projects directly benefiting Horncastle residents.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate that their organisation has:

A constitution or governing document.
A local management board or committee.
An organisational bank account.
At least two unrelated bank signatories.
Proper financial records.
Evidence that any remaining project costs are secured.
Relevant organisational policies where required.
Additional supporting documents relevant to the project.

What Types of Projects Can Be Funded?

The fund supports community projects that improve health and wellbeing, including activities related to:

Physical Health

Projects may support:

Exercise and physical activity programmes.
Healthy lifestyle initiatives.
Community sports activities.
Health improvement activities.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Projects may support:

Mental health support activities.
Social connection programmes.
Wellbeing sessions.
Activities that reduce loneliness and isolation.

Community-Led Initiatives

Projects should demonstrate:

Local participation.
Community benefit.
Positive outcomes for residents.
Sustainable improvements in wellbeing.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Develop a Community Health Project

Organisations should identify:

The health or wellbeing issue being addressed.
The people who will benefit.
The activities planned.
The expected community outcomes.

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents

Applicants should provide:

Organisation details.
Governing documents.
Financial information.
Bank account details.
Project budget.
Evidence of other funding sources.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Applicants must submit their completed application before:

1 March, or
1 September.

Step 4: Funding Decision

Applications are reviewed, and successful applicants are informed within six to eight weeks after the deadline.

Step 5: Deliver the Project

Successful organisations must:

Use funds for approved activities.
Complete the project within the agreed timeframe.
Provide any required reporting information.

Why This Fund Matters

Community organisations play an important role in improving local health outcomes by providing accessible support close to where people live.

The Horncastle Health and Wellbeing Fund helps communities by:

Supporting early intervention activities.
Improving access to wellbeing services.
Strengthening local networks.
Encouraging community participation.
Helping smaller organisations deliver meaningful projects.

Who Is Prioritised for Funding?

Priority is given to:

Small grassroots organisations.
Community groups with limited resources.
Projects directly benefiting Horncastle residents.
Initiatives with clear health and wellbeing outcomes.

Projects Not Supported

The fund does not support:

Projects promoting religious or political beliefs.
Statutory services that should be funded by public authorities.
Animal welfare projects.
General contributions to large fundraising appeals.
Grant-making organisations seeking to redistribute funding.
Costs already spent before approval (retrospective costs).
Unsustainable organisational deficits.
Loan repayment costs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying without required organisational documents.
Requesting funding for activities already completed.
Submitting projects without clear health or wellbeing benefits.
Failing to explain how local residents will benefit.
Applying for costs that are outside the fund’s objectives.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Clearly explain the community need.
Describe how the project improves health or wellbeing.
Provide a realistic budget.
Demonstrate local involvement.
Highlight measurable outcomes.
Explain how the project will benefit residents within the Horncastle area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Horncastle Health and Wellbeing Fund?

It is a community grant programme supporting not-for-profit organisations delivering projects that improve physical health, mental health, and wellbeing in Horncastle and nearby areas.

2. How much funding can organisations receive?

Eligible organisations can receive grants of up to £2,000 per project.

3. Who can apply for funding?

Not-for-profit community groups, registered charities, social enterprises, sports organisations, and similar organisations can apply.

4. Where must projects take place?

Projects must be delivered within a 10-mile radius of Horncastle, with priority given to projects located in Horncastle.

5. When are applications accepted?

Applications close twice each year on:

1 March
1 September

6. Can an organisation hold more than one grant?

No. Groups can only hold one active grant at a time.

7. What projects are not eligible?

The fund does not support political or religious promotion, animal welfare projects, retrospective costs, statutory services, loan repayments, or unsustainable deficits.

Conclusion

The Horncastle Health and Wellbeing Fund provides valuable support for grassroots organisations working to improve community health and wellbeing. By offering grants of up to £2,000, the programme helps local groups create accessible, community-driven projects that strengthen physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connections across Horncastle and surrounding areas.