Request for Applications: Godolphin Edwards Fund (United Kingdom)

The Godolphin Edwards Fund provides grants of up to £2,500 to community and voluntary organisations, charities, and social enterprises supporting people living in selected civil parishes in Shropshire. The fund supports projects that improve health, education, quality of life, and access to essential community services.

Eligible organisations can apply for funding for equipment, training, capital costs, project expenses, events, and revenue activities. Projects must benefit residents of Acton Burnell, Frodesley, Pitchford, or Ruckley & Langley and address identified local community needs.

What is the Godolphin Edwards Fund?

The Godolphin Edwards Fund is a community grant programme supporting local organisations that improve the wellbeing and quality of life of residents in specific civil parishes.

The fund supports initiatives that address:

• Local community needs
• Health improvement
• Education opportunities
• Social wellbeing
• Access to essential services

The programme continues the legacy of the former Godolphin Edwards Relief in Need Charity, which was established to support people experiencing hardship, need, or distress.

Background of the Fund

The fund was originally created as the Godolphin Edwards Relief in Need Charity to assist residents living in:

• Acton Burnell
• Frodesley
• Pitchford
• Langley & Ruckley

Following changes in Charity Commission guidance, management of the fund was transferred to the Community Foundation to ensure continued support for local communities.

Purpose of the Grant

The fund aims to support projects that create practical benefits for local residents.

Supported projects may improve:

• Health and wellbeing
• Education and learning
• Community facilities
• Local services
• Quality of life

The fund particularly values projects that provide services or facilities that would otherwise not be available to community members.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Constituted community groups
• Voluntary organisations
• Registered charities
• Social enterprises

Applicants must:

• Have been established for at least 12 months
• Demonstrate a track record of delivering services
• Show clear community benefit

Who Cannot Apply?

The following organisations are not eligible:

• Non-constituted groups
• Statutory agencies
• Private companies

Projects that do not meet local community benefit requirements will not be considered.

Geographic Eligibility

Projects must either:

• Be based in eligible civil parishes, or
• Directly benefit residents living in these areas

Eligible locations include:

• Acton Burnell
• Frodesley
• Pitchford
• Ruckley & Langley

Grant Amount and Funding Available

Organisations can apply for:

• Maximum grant: Up to £2,500

Funding decisions are based on:

• Community need
• Project impact
• Organisation capacity
• Available funds

What Can Grant Funding Support?

The Godolphin Edwards Fund can support a range of project-related costs.

Equipment Costs

Funding may be used for:

• Community equipment
• Project materials
• Essential resources

Capital Costs

Eligible capital spending may include:

• Improvements to community facilities
• Necessary infrastructure
• Long-term assets

Training Costs

Funding may support:

• Staff training
• Volunteer development
• Skills-building activities

Project and Event Costs

Grants may support:

• Community events
• Local activities
• Project delivery expenses

Revenue Costs

Funding may contribute to:

• Running costs directly linked to approved projects
• Service delivery expenses

Examples of Supported Activities

Projects may include:

• Community transport schemes
• Local health initiatives
• Educational activities
• Community support programmes
• Services improving social inclusion

How to Apply for the Godolphin Edwards Fund

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm that:

• Your organisation type is eligible
• Your project benefits residents in eligible parishes
• Your organisation has operated for at least 12 months

Step 2: Develop a Project Plan

Applications should explain:

• The community need being addressed
• Planned activities
• Who will benefit
• Expected outcomes

Step 3: Prepare a Budget

Applicants should provide details of:

• Funding requested
• Project costs
• How funds will be used

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applications should be submitted according to the fund’s official process and requirements.

Why It Matters

Small community organisations often provide essential services that improve local wellbeing but may lack sufficient resources.

The Godolphin Edwards Fund helps communities by supporting:

• Better access to services
• Improved quality of life
• Stronger local connections
• Greater community resilience

The funding enables local organisations to deliver practical solutions to local challenges.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

• Clearly explaining local community need
• Showing measurable benefits
• Demonstrating experience delivering services
• Providing a realistic budget
• Explaining how the project improves residents’ lives

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without meeting geographic requirements
• Requesting funding for unrelated activities
• Providing unclear project costs
• Applying for expenses already completed
• Submitting applications without evidence of community benefit

Funding Restrictions

The fund does not support:

Religious Promotion

Projects that primarily promote religion are not eligible.

Political Campaigning

Funding cannot support:

• Political campaigning
• Political activities

Statutory Services

The fund does not replace services that are the responsibility of statutory organisations.

Retrospective Costs

Funding cannot cover:

• Projects already completed
• Goods already purchased
• Services already delivered before approval

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Godolphin Edwards Fund?

It is a community grant programme supporting organisations that improve lives in selected civil parishes through local projects.

How much funding can organisations receive?

Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to £2,500.

Who can apply?

Constituted community groups, voluntary organisations, registered charities, and social enterprises can apply.

Which areas are eligible?

Projects must benefit residents of Acton Burnell, Frodesley, Pitchford, or Ruckley & Langley.

What costs can the grant support?

Funding can support equipment, capital costs, training, revenue expenses, projects, and community events.

Can individuals apply for funding?

No. The fund supports eligible community organisations rather than individuals.

Can the grant fund completed projects?

No. Retrospective costs for projects, goods, or services already completed before approval are not eligible.

Conclusion

The Godolphin Edwards Fund provides valuable support for community organisations working to improve health, education, wellbeing, and access to essential services in eligible Shropshire parishes. By providing grants of up to £2,500, the fund helps local groups deliver practical projects that strengthen communities and improve residents’ quality of life.