Connecting Communities Grant Frequently Asked Questions

Registered charities that run facilities that are open to all members of the community can be considered for grants to fully fund capital projects up to £20,000. The projects should make a tangible, long term difference to the community.

Charities should own the property where the project is being delivered, or have a long-term lease with a minimum of 3 years remaining

Examples of charities that could benefit are: community centres; village halls; school PTAs; scouts huts; hospices; community gardens; warm hubs etc.

Projects should have a lasting impact such as:

• Renovations: Fixing a leaking roof, accessible toilets, installing a new kitchen

• Construction: A shed for a community allotment

• Fixed Equipment: Installing boilers, security systems, stairlifts, or sensory room equipment

• Outdoor Spaces: Landscaping a community garden, paving a wheelchair-accessible path, or installing playground equipment

No. We only support charities that are registered with the Charity Commission (England and Wales) and the OSCR (Scotland).

No. Applications are accepted on a continual basis.

Please read our Connecting Communities Grant policy to make sure the project you are applying for meets our criteria.

Obtain proof of price or documentation that can be uploaded to your application to support your request.

Click the 'Start Your Application' button which will take you to our grant management system which is hosted by Plinth, where you will be invited to sign-up or log in, if you have already registered.

Complete the Connecting Communities application form and you will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your request. We will contact you if we need more information to help us consider your application.

We will let you know the outcome of your request by email within eight weeks.

We will not consider applications for:

• Organisations that are not registered charities

• Contributions or top-up donations towards larger fundraising targets

• Running costs, including salaries or utility bills

• Projects supporting animal welfare

• Charities that promote religious or political messages

• To pay for events, sponsorship or marketing

• Where the charity's accounts have been filed late with the Charity Commission / OSCR within the past three years

• Charities who have had their accounts marked as 'qualified' by the Charity Commission / OSCR

• Charities whose accounts are overdue with the Charity Commission / OSCR

• Recently registered charities who have not yet filed accounts to the Charity Commission / OSCR

• Which have previously been rejected within the past 12 months

Yes. Grants must be used specifically for the project applied for.

Grants are usually paid by Faster Payments bank transfer.