This quick guide gives a summary of our Charnwood Community Grants programmes.
For more information, please refer to the Charnwood Grants webpage.
If you wish to make an application, it is important to read the relevant guidance notes in full as there have been changes made to the 2025/26 grants programme including an online application process.
Please note that the NEW Charnwood Small Community Grants programme has replaced the Member Grants and is primarily but not exclusively intended to benefit small Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations supporting people at Borough Ward and /or a very local level.
Charnwood Community Grants
Maximum grant level
Up to £5,000
What the grant programme covers
Funding for the activities of properly constituted Community and Voluntary Sector organisations and projects in Charnwood, including organisational running costs (for up to one year), and one-off contributions for equipment costs for projects with community benefit.
Community Facilities Grants
Maximum grant level
Up to £20,000 (maximum of 50% of the costs of any one programme)
What the grant programme covers
This programme supports the renovation, improvement and new provision of community buildings including building works, extensions, updating facilities e.g. kitchen, toilets.
In addition, external enhancement of adjacent outside space e.g. disabled access, verandas, patios, play areas, storage, improved access.
The grant does not cover costs of feasibility studies, architects, surveyors, specialist survey fees or the cost of planning applications.
The grant does not cover drainage or subsidence issues.
It is not for routine maintenance, equipment or freestanding appliances such as cookers, fridges, freezers or dishwashers or semi-permanent outbuildings e.g. sheds. However, it can fund integrated hobs and ovens in a new kitchen.
Charnwood Small Community Grants
Maximum grant level
Up to £750 for VCS Organisations with an income of less than £20,000.
The New Charnwood Small Community Grants programme can provide up to £750 for the activities of properly constituted Voluntary and Community and Voluntary Sector (VCS) organisations and projects in Charnwood, including organisational running costs and projects (for up to one year), and one-off contributions for equipment costs for projects with community benefit.
This is a fast-tracked programme where funding is intended to be for immediate and short-term expenditure costs and one-off contributions for equipment for small projects and events. However, small VCS organisations needing to secure future general running costs can also apply.
A maximum of 2 grants can be applied for across all grant programmes in 2024/25 including Small, Community and * Facilities Grants for different organisational and project activities costs. *Please contact Tina Robinson VCS Development Officer tina.robinson@charnwood.gov.uk before applying for a Facilities Grant to ensure eligibility criteria will be met.
VCS organisations with an income of less than £20,000 can also apply for a Community Grant up to £5,000 if they can demonstrate it will fund ongoing general running costs, project delivery or development of the organisation.
Priority will be given to requests from eligible VCS organisations to deliver community-based services, projects and activities that are specifically focused on improving the lives, health and wellbeing of vulnerable and disadvantaged people and communities in Charnwood. Requests to mitigate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on VCS organisations and those they support will be of particular interest.
Funding can be used for organisational general running costs and project costs (for up to one year), and one-off contributions for equipment costs.
For further information, advice or assistance please contact grants@charnwood.gov.uk.
Last updated: Mon 3rd March, 2025 @ 09:23