Deadline: 02-Feb-2026

The Evan Cornish Grassroots Fund supports small, community-led organisations in Greater Lincolnshire that deliver practical help, reduce isolation, and improve wellbeing for vulnerable residents. Grants up to £6,000 are available for grassroots projects focused on social cohesion, essential services, older people, homelessness support, and food security. The fund prioritises locally run groups that directly understand neighbourhood needs.

Overview

The Lincolnshire Community Foundation invites applications for the Evan Cornish Grassroots Fund, a grant programme designed to strengthen grassroots organisations and support vulnerable people across Greater Lincolnshire. The fund focuses on improving wellbeing, easing distress, reducing isolation, and supporting groups facing hardship.

Key Focus Areas

• Social cohesion and community connection

• Support for isolated residents, women, and families of people leaving prison

• Older people experiencing loneliness, dementia, or limited mobility

• Services for people experiencing homelessness

• Food security, community growing initiatives, and nutrition education

• Access to essential services, advice, and guidance (debt advice, welfare support, etc.)

Why This Fund Matters

The fund helps small, volunteer-led groups deliver targeted, community-specific support. By strengthening grassroots action, the programme enhances local resilience, improves quality of life, and ensures vulnerable groups receive timely and practical assistance.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be:

• Community groups or voluntary organisations based, run, and managed in Greater Lincolnshire

• Small or volunteer-led groups with strong local knowledge

• Organisations delivering activities that directly benefit local residents

Not Eligible

The fund does not support:

• Individuals

• Political or religious activities

• National charity branches

• Statutory agencies

• Animal welfare initiatives

• Large capital projects or vehicle purchases

• Retrospective activities

• Organisations that re-grant funding

Grant Details

• Total annual funding: approx. £50,000

• Maximum grant per organisation: up to £6,000

• Payment structure: usually paid in advance

• Use of funds: must be spent within 12 months

What the Fund Can Cover

Organisations may request funding for practical and operational costs such as:

• Equipment

• Venue hire

• Travel expenses

• Training

• Refreshments

• Communication and outreach costs

• Other essential resources needed to deliver the project

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

Examples include:

• Companionship programmes for older people

• Home-based support for vulnerable residents

• Community growing and food sustainability schemes

• Homelessness support (food, clothing, accommodation guidance)

• Advice and guidance services (debt counselling, welfare support)

• Volunteer-driven social support activities

How to Apply

1. Visit the Lincolnshire Community Foundation website.

2. Locate the Evan Cornish Grassroots Fund application page.

3. Review eligibility guidelines and prepare supporting documents.

4. Submit a clear outline of your project, including:

   • Target beneficiaries

   • Activities and expected outcomes

   • Budget breakdown

   • Timeline (within 12 months)

5. Await assessment and respond to any follow-up queries from the Foundation.

6. If awarded, follow grant reporting requirements and deliver activities as planned.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate deep understanding of local needs.

• Highlight volunteer involvement and community leadership.

• Show clear, measurable benefits for vulnerable residents.

• Keep budgets realistic and justified.

• Avoid proposing capital-heavy or ineligible costs.

• Explain how the project reduces isolation, improves wellbeing, or strengthens community resilience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying on behalf of national organisations or branches

• Proposing large capital spending

• Lack of clarity on who benefits and how

• Vague or incomplete budgets

• Activities outside Greater Lincolnshire

• Projects that duplicate existing statutory responsibilities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum amount my organisation can apply for?
You can apply for up to £6,000 per project.

2. Can newly formed organisations apply?
Yes, as long as the organisation is locally run, community-based, and able to demonstrate capacity to deliver the project.

3. Are faith-based organisations eligible?
They may apply if the project is non-religious, inclusive, and community-focused.

4. Can the funding be used for staff costs?
It may cover necessary operational costs, but the fund prioritises practical resource needs over staffing-heavy budgets.

5. Can an organisation submit more than one application per year?
Typically, organisations should focus on one strong application unless the Foundation states otherwise.

6. Are partnerships or collaborations allowed?
Yes, collaborative projects are welcomed if they clearly benefit the community and meet eligibility criteria.

7. What reporting is required if funded?
Funded groups must provide updates on spending, progress, outcomes, and community impact.

Conclusion

The Evan Cornish Grassroots Fund offers a vital opportunity for small, community-driven organisations in Greater Lincolnshire to deliver practical, compassionate support where it is needed most. With grants up to £6,000 and a focus on strengthening local resilience, this fund empowers grassroots groups to make a meaningful, lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable residents.

For more information, visit Lincolnshire Community Foundation.