The Cecil Pettit Legacy Fund provides grants of up to £3,000 to Northamptonshire-based organisations and social enterprises that improve the lives of people living with disabilities. The fund prioritises projects that enhance health and wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and expand access to education, training, and community services. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, allowing groups to apply throughout the year.

About the Cecil Pettit Legacy Fund

The Cecil Pettit Legacy Fund is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people living with disabilities in Northamptonshire. By providing financial support to community-led initiatives, the fund enables organisations to deliver projects that promote inclusion, independence, and social engagement.

Types of Supported Projects

The fund supports a wide range of initiatives, including:

Support and advocacy groups that provide guidance, assistance, or representation for people living with disabilities
Accessible educational or training programs designed to improve skills, knowledge, and opportunities
Health and wellbeing projects aimed at reducing social isolation and improving overall quality of life

Grant Amounts and Funding Details

Grants are available up to £3,000 per project
Funding is primarily targeted at health and wellbeing projects that:
- Reduce social isolation
- Improve access to community services
- Expand opportunities for participation and inclusion

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be:

Local community organisations or social enterprises based in Northamptonshire
Organisations must have:
- A written constitution or set of rules including a dissolution clause
- Safeguarding policies where relevant
- An equalities policy
Exclusions: Social enterprises controlled by a single individual listed as having significant control on Companies House are generally not eligible

Why the Fund Matters

Promotes community inclusion for people with disabilities
Supports projects that combat social isolation and improve wellbeing
Encourages accessible education and training, expanding personal and professional development
Strengthens local organisations and social enterprises through targeted financial support

How to Apply / How It Works

Confirm eligibility: Ensure your organisation is based in Northamptonshire and meets all governance and policy requirements.
Develop a project proposal: Focus on health, wellbeing, or educational initiatives that benefit people living with disabilities.
Prepare documentation: Include your organisation’s constitution, safeguarding and equalities policies, and any supporting evidence of project feasibility.
Submit application: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, meaning there is no fixed deadline.
Grant review: Eligible applications are evaluated based on project impact, alignment with fund objectives, and organisational capacity.
Funding decision: Successful applicants receive up to £3,000 to implement their project.

Tips for a Strong Application

Clearly demonstrate how your project will reduce social isolation and enhance wellbeing
Ensure your organisation has up-to-date safeguarding and equalities policies
Provide specific goals, outcomes, and measurable impacts
Avoid submitting applications from social enterprises controlled by a single individual
Focus on local impact within Northamptonshire

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the Cecil Pettit Legacy Fund?
Local community organisations or social enterprises based in Northamptonshire with appropriate governance, safeguarding, and equalities policies.

2. What types of projects are funded?
Projects supporting people with disabilities through advocacy, accessible education or training, and health and wellbeing initiatives that reduce social isolation.

3. How much funding can be requested?
Up to £3,000 per eligible project.

4. Are there fixed deadlines for applications?
No. The fund operates on a rolling basis, allowing organisations to apply at any time during the year.

5. Are social enterprises controlled by a single individual eligible?
Generally not. Social enterprises where only one person holds significant control on Companies House are excluded.

6. What governance requirements must be met?
Applicants must have a written constitution or set of rules with a dissolution clause, safeguarding policies where relevant, and an equalities policy.

7. Can funding be used for purposes other than project implementation?
No. Grants are intended specifically to support projects that directly enhance the lives of people living with disabilities.

Conclusion

The Cecil Pettit Legacy Fund provides essential support to Northamptonshire organisations and social enterprises delivering impactful initiatives for people living with disabilities. By funding projects that improve health, wellbeing, and accessibility, the fund strengthens local communities and fosters inclusion, connection, and opportunity across the region.