Deadline: 10-Jun-2026
The Financial Wellbeing Community Fund – Small Grants programme provides funding of up to £9,999 to charities and community organisations supporting Buckinghamshire residents facing financial hardship. The programme focuses on improving financial resilience, reducing crisis dependency, strengthening local support networks, and helping residents access preventative services.
Supported by the Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund, the programme prioritises projects benefiting Opportunity Bucks areas and initiatives that help residents move away from emergency support such as food parcels.
What Is the Financial Wellbeing Community Fund – Small Grants Programme?
The programme supports community-based projects that:
- Improve financial resilience
- Help residents recover from financial shocks
- Reduce dependence on crisis interventions
- Strengthen local referral pathways
- Improve coordination between support services
- Build stronger local resilience networks
The fund promotes preventative approaches that help individuals manage future financial difficulties more effectively.
Funding Details
Key funding information:
- Grant amount: Up to £9,999
- Project duration: One year
- Funding source: Government Crisis and Resilience Fund
Important note:
- Organisations seeking larger funding amounts must apply through the large grants programme.
- Organisations cannot hold grants from both programmes at the same time.
Priority Areas
The programme prioritises:
- Financial resilience services
- Community coordination activities
- Preventative support services
- Local partnership development
- “No wrong door” referral approaches
- Projects supporting Opportunity Bucks communities
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered charities
- Community groups
- Social enterprises
- Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
- Community Interest Companies (limited by guarantee)
- Community Benefit Societies
- Town and Parish Councils
- Other constituted not-for-profit organisations
- Faith groups with projects open to all residents
Applicants must:
- Operate in or benefit Buckinghamshire Council residents
- Have at least three unrelated trustees or directors
- Demonstrate proper financial controls
- Hold a bank account in the organisation’s name
What Activities Can Be Funded?
Eligible activities may include:
- Financial wellbeing support services
- Advice and guidance programmes
- Community outreach
- Referral and coordination systems
- Training and support initiatives
- Practical resilience-building activities
Projects should help residents:
- Recover from financial hardship
- Improve long-term financial stability
- Access the right support quickly and efficiently
Priority Considerations
Strong priority will be given to:
- Projects serving Opportunity Bucks areas
- Applications showing contributory or match funding
- Preventative and community-led approaches
- Projects improving local service coordination
How to Apply
- Confirm organisational eligibility.
- Develop a one-year financial resilience project.
- Prepare a clear budget and project plan.
- Explain community need and expected impact.
- Demonstrate how residents will benefit.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline.
Tips for Applicants
- Clearly explain how the project reduces crisis dependence.
- Show strong local partnerships and referral systems.
- Include measurable outcomes and realistic budgets.
- Highlight support for low-income or vulnerable residents.
- Demonstrate any additional or match funding where possible.
FAQ
How much funding is available?
Organisations can apply for grants of up to £9,999.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include charities, community groups, CICs, social enterprises, and other not-for-profit organisations serving Buckinghamshire residents.
What projects are supported?
Projects focused on financial resilience, preventative support, community coordination, and reducing financial hardship.
Are faith groups eligible?
Yes, if the project is accessible to all members of the community.
Can organisations apply for both small and large grants?
No. Organisations cannot hold grants from both funding streams simultaneously.
Conclusion
The Financial Wellbeing Community Fund – Small Grants programme supports Buckinghamshire organisations working to improve financial resilience and reduce long-term crisis dependency. The programme encourages practical, preventative, and community-led solutions that help residents access the right support and build greater financial stability.
For more information, visit Heart of Bucks.