Deadline: 31-Dec-22
The Cheshire Community Foundation is currently inviting applications for the Bi-monthly Small Grants Programme to support projects across the whole of Cheshire and Warrington for people of all ages.
Priority Areas
The Foundation is particularly interested in supporting smaller charities through this programme (with a turnover of less than £300,000) and to assist local grassroots organisations that support one, or more, of the following priority areas:
- Disadvantaged and vulnerable people affected by the covid-19 outbreak
- Homelessness
- Education and skills (for ages 3 to 18)
- Community support – to include support for older people
- Disadvantaged and exploited young people, with a preference for prevention and early intervention projects
Thematic Priorities
The overarching priorities for funding within each of these four themes are:
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Mental Health and Wellbeing: The Pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health and wellbeing for people of all ages – and is likely to continues to do so, during the phased recovery period and beyond.
- Children and young people ‘s mental health
- Tackling health inequalities in Cheshire and Warrington
- Support for lonely, isolated older and vulnerable people
- Support for isolated rural communities
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Poverty and Disadvantage: The pandemic has increased levels of poverty and disadvantage in Cheshire and Warrington (with a further threat that the UK economy as a whole may be pushed towards one of the deepest recession on record).
- Children and young people living in poverty
- Support for families in need and family unity
- Support for people experiencing debt in a climate of increasing unemployment
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Education, Skills and Employment: Education, employment, and skills have all been adversely impacted by the pandemic – with potential long term detrimental impact – due to school closures, families lacking access to equipment and the internet (the digital divide), job losses and potential further unemployment rises, as furlough comes to an end.
- Increasing young people’s skills and confidence
- Support to tackle the widening achievement gaps for vulnerable young people
- Giving younger children in disadvantaged communities increased opportunities
- Support for people of all ages affected by loss of employment
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Stronger Communities: Whilst there have been many examples of communities and charities stepping up to help people during the pandemic, through thousands of small acts of kindness, many community services have had to remain closed in line with government guidelines and need support to re-open and many people in Cheshire and Warrington have had little contact with others for over a year.
- Create more resilient communities
- Support for the voluntary/charitable sector
- Support to help develop vital social and emotional skills for young people
- Bring together diverse communities and cultures
Funding Information
Grants awarded from £1 to £2500 over one year or less, but during the current crisis this may be more flexible, so please call if you have any queries regarding the amount to apply for.
(NB: for a one off trip or luncheon, the maximum contribution is £250)
Eligibility Criteria
The Foundation can only fund organisations:
- Whose work primarily benefits people living within one of the three local authorities of Cheshire East, Warrington and Cheshire West and Chester. Regional or national organisations working in Cheshire may be considered if they can demonstrate that they are the best organisation to tackle a particular social issue or address a specific need and there is no local organisation able to do this.
- That are “not for profit”; such as charities, community groups and social enterprises, that can demonstrate a clear community benefit in their constitution or governing document. The governing document should state clearly how any profits are to be reinvested for community benefit. There is no requirement for applicant organisations to be registered charities.
- Where partnership applications are received, they will consider project proposals where some of the partner organisations are based outside Cheshire, but they would expect local organisations to take a lead in that partnership.
- Cheshire Community Foundation is unable to fund the core running costs of infrastructure organisations. They give priority to frontline organisations that are working directly with local people “on the ground”. Infrastructure organisations, which are able to directly deliver projects serving disadvantaged people are eligible to apply, please contact them if you wish to discuss a project of this nature further, prior to making an application.
- Where organisations are “in crisis”, they will endeavour to offer the support, but this may not necessarily be financial support
- In special circumstances, grants to individuals in need will be considered.
For more information, visit Cheshire Community Foundation.
For more information, visit https://cheshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk/grants/ccf-small-grants-programme/