Apply for Free the Fund Community Grant Programme

Rowntree’s Free the Fund Community Grant Programme offers up to £10,000 to UK and Ireland-based charities and not-for-profits to deliver engaging summer activities that improve adult wellbeing and strengthen community connections. Projects should promote creativity, inclusivity, and positive local impact.

What is the Free the Fund Community Grant Programme?

The programme supports community initiatives that enhance adult wellbeing by funding summer activities for local communities. It encourages projects that transform outdoor spaces or community gardens, organise summer art festivals, or purchase sports, arts, theatre, or music equipment. The initiative aims to mobilise community action, create better local spaces, improve prospects, and bring about positive change in communities.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered charities and not-for-profit organisations operating in the UK and Ireland.

Ineligible applicants include:

• Un-constituted organisations

• Profit-making businesses

• Individuals

• Local authorities, parish or town councils

• Schools, educational institutions, or parent-teacher associations

• Certain community interest companies that do not meet programme criteria

Grant Details

• Number of Grants: 4 community initiatives across the UK and Ireland

• Grant Amount: Up to £10,000 per project

• Purpose: To organise summer activities that bring adults together, strengthen community connections, and improve wellbeing

• Funding Flexibility: The final award may be higher or lower than the requested amount depending on the funding panel’s decision

Key Focus Areas

Projects should focus on:

• Fun summer activities for adults aged 21–65

• Transforming outdoor or communal spaces

• Summer arts festivals and community events

• Purchasing sports, arts, theatre, or music equipment

• Creating inclusive, creative projects with a positive local impact

How to Apply

1. Prepare Your Application: Outline your project objectives, target beneficiaries, planned activities, and expected community impact.

2. Submit Application: Applications open Monday 2 March 2026 and close at 5pm on Tuesday 31 March 2026.

3. Funding Panel Review: Applications will be assessed, and grants may be adjusted based on panel decisions.

4. Project Completion: All funded activities must be completed by the end of September 2026, during the summer period.

5. Promotional Content Participation: Selected organisations must support filming, photography, or interviews to promote their projects.

Why It Matters

The programme strengthens community ties by encouraging creative summer activities that enhance adult wellbeing. It supports local charities and not-for-profits in delivering inclusive projects, improving local spaces, and generating positive social impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying as an ineligible organisation (schools, councils, profit-making companies, etc.)

• Missing the application deadline

• Submitting incomplete applications without clear objectives, beneficiaries, or project plans

• Failing to plan activities to be completed by the end of September

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible to apply? Registered charities and not-for-profit organisations operating in the UK and Ireland.

2. What is the maximum grant amount? Up to £10,000 per project.

3. How many projects will be funded? Four community initiatives will be selected.

4. Can the grant amount differ from what I request? Yes, the funding panel may award more or less than requested.

5. What types of activities are supported? Summer activities for adults, community garden transformations, arts festivals, and equipment purchases for sports, arts, theatre, or music.

6. When must projects be completed? By the end of September 2026

7. Are organisations required to support promotional content? Yes, filming, photography, and interviews will be required but organised at no cost.

Conclusion

Rowntree’s Free the Fund Community Grant Programme provides vital funding for summer projects that enhance adult wellbeing and strengthen local communities in the UK and Ireland. By encouraging creativity, inclusivity, and positive local impact, the programme empowers charities and not-for-profits to bring people together and make a lasting difference in their communities.