We Love Lichfield Fund to Support Local Community Initiatives (UK)

Deadline: 22-May-2026

The We Love Lichfield Fund offers grants of up to £1,000 to support community and voluntary organisations in the Lichfield district, including Burntwood and surrounding villages. It funds projects that improve local services, enhance wellbeing, and expand access to community support. Applications are accepted year-round, with funding decisions made twice annually in May and November.

What is the We Love Lichfield Fund?

The We Love Lichfield Fund is a place-based grant programme designed to support community-led initiatives across the Lichfield District, including Burntwood and nearby villages.

A place-based fund focuses on investing in a specific geographic area to improve local services, wellbeing, and community engagement.

The fund aims to:

• Improve the lives of local residents
• Support essential and additional services
• Strengthen community organisations and outreach

Key Funding Priorities

The fund supports projects that create clear, measurable benefits for local communities.

Core Focus Areas

• Providing services for local residents
• Improving quality of life and wellbeing
• Supporting facilities not otherwise available
• Expanding access to community services

Types of Supported Projects

• Enhancing existing services
• Launching new community initiatives
• Expanding services to reach more beneficiaries
• Improving organisational efficiency and capacity

Grant Amount and Funding Structure

• Maximum Grant: £1,000
• Application Window: Open year-round
• Decision Rounds:
  • May
  • November

Important Funding Rule

The grant must represent at least one-third (33%) of the total project cost, ensuring meaningful contribution to the project.

Who is Eligible?

The fund supports established, community-focused organisations operating in the Lichfield District.

Eligible Applicants

• Constituted community and voluntary groups
• Registered charities
• Social enterprises

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be active in Lichfield District or surrounding areas
• Must have been established for at least 6 months
• Must demonstrate a track record of service delivery
• Must have charitable or community-focused aims
• Annual income must be below £1 million

What Can the Funding Be Used For?

Eligible expenses include:

• Core or revenue costs
• Equipment and materials
• Capital investments
• Training and staff development
• Project delivery costs
• One-off community events

What is Not Funded?

The fund does not support:

• Projects where funding is less than one-third of total cost
• Retrospective funding (already incurred expenses)
• Statutory services
• Political campaigning
• Projects promoting religion (except inclusive services by faith-based groups)

Why This Fund Matters

Strengthens Local Services

Supports organisations delivering essential and additional services.

Expands Community Reach

Enables projects to reach more people across the district.

Encourages Innovation

Funds new ideas and improvements in service delivery.

Builds Organisational Capacity

Helps organisations grow, improve efficiency, and scale impact.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Check Eligibility
   Confirm your organisation meets all criteria, including location and income limits
2. Define Your Project
   Clearly outline the purpose, beneficiaries, and expected impact
3. Prepare Budget
   Ensure the requested funding represents at least one-third of total costs
4. Gather Supporting Documents
   Include evidence of track record, financial details, and project plan
5. Submit Application
   Applications can be submitted at any time during the year
6. Wait for Review Cycle
   Applications are assessed in May or November
7. Receive Decision and Funding
   Successful applicants are notified and awarded grants

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Requesting less than one-third of total project funding
• Applying without a clear track record
• Submitting incomplete or unclear applications
• Including ineligible costs such as retrospective expenses
• Failing to demonstrate community impact

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly show how your project benefits the local community
• Provide a realistic and transparent budget
• Highlight past achievements and experience
• Focus on measurable outcomes and impact
• Align your project with the fund’s priorities

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Who can apply for the We Love Lichfield Fund?

Community groups, charities, and social enterprises operating in Lichfield District.

2. What is the maximum grant amount?

Up to £1,000 per project.

3. When are funding decisions made?

Twice a year, in May and November.

4. Can I apply at any time?

Yes, applications are accepted year-round.

5. What is the one-third funding rule?

The grant must cover at least one-third of the total project cost.

6. Are new organisations eligible?

Yes, but they must be established for at least six months and show a track record.

7. Can funding be used for events?

Yes, one-off community events are eligible if they benefit local residents.

Conclusion

The We Love Lichfield Fund is a targeted and flexible community grant programme that supports organisations working to improve life in the Lichfield District. By funding impactful, community-driven projects, it strengthens local services, enhances wellbeing, and expands access to opportunities.

For more information, visit The Community Foundation for Staffordshire.