Deadline: 29-Jun-2026
The Thriving Communities Fund Small Grants Programme provides funding to support community-led projects that improve wellbeing, strengthen social connections, reduce isolation, and promote community cohesion across the London Borough of Hounslow. Grants of up to £200 are available for community events, while grants of up to £1,500 support longer-term projects and activities benefiting local residents.
The programme is open to not-for-profit organizations and eligible community groups. Priority is given to initiatives that improve physical and mental wellbeing, foster community engagement, test innovative ideas, and create lasting positive outcomes, particularly within Equality Opportunity Areas.
What is the Thriving Communities Fund Small Grants Programme?
The Thriving Communities Fund Small Grants Programme is a community funding initiative designed to empower local organizations, resident groups, and community leaders to deliver projects that strengthen communities and improve quality of life.
The programme supports grassroots activities that help residents connect with one another, reduce loneliness, enhance wellbeing, and build stronger, more inclusive communities throughout Hounslow.
Funding Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Thriving Communities Fund Small Grants Programme |
| Location | London Borough of Hounslow |
| Grant for Community Events | Up to £200 |
| Grant for Community Projects | Up to £1,500 |
| Project Duration | Several Months to 12 Months |
| Project Start Requirement | Within 4 Months of Award |
| Eligible Applicants | Not-for-Profit Organisations and Community Groups |
Funding Available
Community Event Grants
Funding of up to £200 is available for:
- Small street parties
- Neighbourhood celebrations
- Community gatherings
- Resident engagement events
- Local awareness activities
Community Project Grants
Funding of up to £1,500 is available for:
- Wellbeing programmes
- Community engagement projects
- Social inclusion initiatives
- Pilot projects and innovative ideas
- Activities delivered over several months or up to one year
Programme Priorities
Projects should address one or more of the programme’s priority areas.
Physical and Mental Wellbeing
Activities that help residents improve their physical health, emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
Examples include:
- Fitness activities
- Wellbeing workshops
- Mental health support initiatives
- Healthy lifestyle programmes
Reducing Social Isolation and Loneliness
Projects that create opportunities for residents to connect and participate in community life.
Examples include:
- Social clubs
- Community meetups
- Intergenerational activities
- Support groups
Building Social Connection and Community Cohesion
Initiatives that bring people together and strengthen relationships across diverse communities.
Examples include:
- Cultural events
- Community celebrations
- Volunteer programmes
- Neighbourhood engagement activities
Testing New Ideas and Pilot Projects
The fund encourages innovative approaches that address community needs and can potentially be expanded in the future.
Organisational Sustainability
Projects that help community organizations strengthen their capacity, improve resilience, and enhance long-term impact.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Organisations
Funding is available to constituted not-for-profit organizations, including:
- Registered charities
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Clubs and societies
- Voluntary associations
- Community organizations
- Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
Un-Constituted Groups
The programme also welcomes applications from:
- Resident groups
- Neighbourhood groups
- Informal community groups
Provided they meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Project Eligibility Requirements
Projects must:
- Take place within the London Borough of Hounslow
- Start within four months of receiving funding
- Be completed within twelve months
- Demonstrate clear community benefits
- Have support from residents or intended beneficiaries
- Align with one or more funding priorities
Priority Areas for Funding
Preference may be given to projects operating within:
Equality Opportunity Areas
The programme seeks to ensure that funding reaches communities experiencing greater disadvantage and barriers to opportunity.
Projects serving these areas may receive additional consideration during assessment.
What Can Funding Be Used For?
Eligible expenses may include:
- Venue hire
- Activity materials
- Community event costs
- Volunteer expenses
- Training costs
- Workshop delivery
- Publicity materials
- Small tools and equipment
- Project administration directly related to delivery
Small Capital Items
Funding may support small capital purchases where they directly contribute to project delivery.
Examples include:
- Tools
- Equipment
- Activity resources
- Community project materials
What Cannot Be Funded?
Funding cannot be used for:
- Activities that have already taken place
- Retrospective costs
- Fundraising activities
- Political campaigns or activities
- Promotion of religious worship
- Alcohol purchases
- Building financial reserves
- Costs already funded through another source
- Activities outside Hounslow
Why This Fund Matters
Strong communities contribute to better health, wellbeing, and social outcomes.
The Thriving Communities Fund helps:
- Strengthen neighbourhood relationships
- Increase community participation
- Reduce loneliness and isolation
- Support grassroots leadership
- Encourage innovation
- Improve local wellbeing
- Build stronger community networks
By investing in local initiatives, the programme helps create more connected and resilient communities.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organization or group meets the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Develop Your Project Idea
Clearly identify:
- Community need
- Planned activities
- Expected outcomes
- Beneficiaries
Step 3: Gather Community Support
Provide evidence that residents or intended beneficiaries support the project.
Examples include:
- Letters of support
- Survey responses
- Community consultations
- Expressions of interest
Step 4: Prepare Your Budget
Clearly explain:
- How much funding is requested
- How funds will be spent
- Expected project costs
Step 5: Complete the Application
Provide detailed information on:
- Activities to be delivered
- Community benefits
- Project timeline
- Expected outcomes
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Submit all required information before the programme deadline.
Monitoring and Reporting Requirements
Successful applicants must:
Submit a Monitoring Report
After project completion, recipients must provide:
- A summary of activities delivered
- Outcomes achieved
- Community impact
Provide Supporting Evidence
Examples may include:
- Photographs
- Event materials
- Publicity materials
- Case studies
- Participant feedback
Maintain Financial Records
Organizations must retain:
- Receipts
- Invoices
- Financial records
for audit and verification purposes.
Governance and Safeguarding Requirements
Successful applicants must ensure:
- Appropriate safeguarding procedures
- Health and safety measures
- Effective governance arrangements
- Responsible financial management
- Compliance with relevant regulations
What Makes a Strong Application?
Competitive applications typically demonstrate:
- Clear community need
- Strong resident support
- Realistic delivery plans
- Measurable outcomes
- Community involvement
- Sustainability potential
- Good value for money
- Positive wellbeing impact
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid the following:
- Requesting funding for completed activities
- Providing unclear project objectives
- Failing to demonstrate community support
- Submitting unrealistic budgets
- Weak evidence of impact
- Missing safeguarding arrangements
- Incomplete application information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much funding can I apply for?
You can apply for up to £200 for community events and up to £1,500 for longer-term community projects.
2. Who can apply?
Not-for-profit organizations, charities, CICs, clubs, associations, CIOs, and eligible community groups can apply.
3. Can informal community groups apply?
Yes. Un-constituted groups such as resident and neighbourhood groups may apply if they meet eligibility requirements.
4. Where must projects take place?
All funded activities must take place within the London Borough of Hounslow.
5. Can funding be used to purchase equipment?
Yes. Small tools and equipment may be funded if they directly support project delivery.
6. Can funding cover activities that have already happened?
No. Funding cannot be used retrospectively for completed activities or expenses already incurred.
7. What reporting is required after the project?
Recipients must submit a monitoring report and provide supporting evidence such as photographs, publicity materials, and expenditure records.
Conclusion
The Thriving Communities Fund Small Grants Programme offers valuable support for local organizations and community groups working to improve wellbeing, strengthen social connections, and build more resilient communities across Hounslow. Through grants of up to £1,500, the programme empowers residents to develop projects that reduce isolation, encourage participation, and create lasting positive change within their neighbourhoods.
For more information, visit London Borough of Hounslow.