Call for Applications: Good Relations Grant – Small (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 20-Mar-2026

The Good Relations Grant – Small – Call 2 (2026/27) provides funding between £1,001 and £2,000 to eligible community organisations in the United Kingdom delivering local initiatives that promote positive community relations.

Applicants must be formally constituted, community-managed, not-for-profit, democratically governed, and financially transparent.

The programme supports inclusive, accountable organisations that represent and benefit the wider community.

The Good Relations Grant – Small – Call 2 (2026/27) is a community funding programme supporting local initiatives that strengthen positive community relations across the United Kingdom.

This funding stream provides grants ranging from £1,001 to £2,000 to eligible community-based organisations that demonstrate strong governance, inclusive participation, and transparent financial management.

The programme ensures that funded activities promote equality, representation, and constructive engagement within local communities.

Grant Overview

Funding Amount: £1,001 to £2,000

Funding Type: Small grant / Community relations funding

Location: United Kingdom

Eligible Applicants: Formally constituted, community-managed, not-for-personal-profit organisations

Core Focus: Promoting positive community relations at a local level

This grant supports initiatives that encourage cooperation, inclusion, mutual respect, and community cohesion.

Who Is Eligible?

Applications are only accepted from organisations that meet strict governance, structural, and accountability standards.

1. Organisational Structure Requirements

The organisation must:

• Be formally constituted with a written governing document

• Be community-managed and autonomous

• Operate on a not-for-personal-profit basis

• Work at a clearly defined local community level

• Serve the wider interests of the community

Autonomous means the organisation independently controls its operations, decisions, and leadership.

2. Inclusive Membership Requirements

The governing document must clearly confirm:

• Membership is open and inclusive

• It reflects the full range of opinion within the identified community

• No section of the community is excluded

• All members hold equal status

Funded groups must not exclude any part of their identified community.

Inclusive membership ensures fair representation and equal access to decision-making.

3. Democratic Governance Requirements

Each organisation must:

• Hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) every year

• Provide equal voting rights to all members

• Elect a management committee or board of directors at the AGM

• Follow a clear and democratic election process

The elected committee or board is responsible for overseeing the organisation’s activities and ensuring proper governance.

4. Financial Transparency and Accountability

At the AGM, organisations must present:

• An annual report outlining activities and achievements

• An annual statement of accounts detailing income and expenditure

These requirements ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible use of grant funding.

What Is Meant by “Positive Community Relations”?

Positive community relations refer to initiatives that:

• Promote inclusion and diversity

• Encourage dialogue and understanding

• Reduce division and conflict

• Strengthen mutual respect

• Build social cohesion

The funded activities must benefit the wider community and contribute to constructive engagement between groups.

Why This Grant Matters

The Good Relations Small Grant plays a key role in strengthening local civic engagement across the United Kingdom.

It matters because it:

• Encourages democratic participation

• Supports inclusive representation

• Builds trust within communities

• Promotes transparency and accountability

• Funds initiatives that reduce division and promote unity

By enforcing governance standards, the programme ensures funding reaches credible and responsible community organisations.

How to Apply

Organisations should follow a structured preparation process before submitting their application.

Step 1: Confirm Governance Compliance

Ensure your organisation:

• Has an up-to-date constitution

• Operates at a local community level

• Is not-for-profit

• Holds annual AGMs

• Elects leadership democratically

• Maintains accurate financial records

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documentation

Gather:

• Governing document

• AGM minutes

• Evidence of democratic elections

• Annual activity report

• Statement of accounts

Documents must clearly demonstrate inclusive membership and transparent operations.

Step 3: Develop a Clear Project Proposal

Prepare:

• Description of the initiative promoting positive community relations

• Explanation of community impact

• Budget plan between £1,001 and £2,000

Ensure the proposed activities align with your organisation’s objectives and community needs.

Step 4: Submit Application

Complete the official application form according to the guidance manual and attach all required documentation.

Review for consistency and accuracy before submission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applications may be rejected if:

• The organisation lacks a formal constitution

• AGMs are not held annually

• Membership rules are restrictive

• Financial statements are incomplete

• Elections are informal or undocumented

• The governing document does not clearly confirm inclusive membership

Tip: Conduct a governance and documentation audit before applying.

Governance Compliance Checklist

Before applying, confirm:

1. Constitution clearly outlines structure and purpose

2. Membership is open to the full identified community

3. AGM held within the past year

4. All members have equal voting rights

5. Committee elected through a documented democratic process

6. Annual report prepared

7. Statement of accounts presented at AGM

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much funding is available?

Eligible organisations can apply for grants between £1,001 and £2,000.

2. Who can apply?

Formally constituted, community-managed, autonomous, not-for-personal-profit organisations operating at a local level in the United Kingdom.

3. Is an AGM required?

Yes. An Annual General Meeting must be held every year with equal voting rights for all members.

4. What documents must be presented at the AGM?

An annual report and an annual statement of accounts must be presented to members.

5. Can an organisation limit membership?

No. Membership must be inclusive and open to the full identified community.

6. What governance structure is required?

A management committee or board of directors must be democratically elected at the AGM.

7. Why is financial transparency mandatory?

Financial transparency ensures responsible use of public funding, accountability to members, and community trust.

Conclusion

The Good Relations Grant – Small – Call 2 (2026/27) provides £1,001 to £2,000 to eligible community organisations in the United Kingdom delivering initiatives that promote positive community relations.

To qualify, organisations must demonstrate formal constitution, inclusive membership, democratic governance, annual AGMs, and transparent financial reporting.

By supporting accountable and community-led organisations, this programme strengthens local cohesion, representation, and trust while ensuring public funding is managed responsibly and fairly.

For more information, visit Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.