How to apply for community grant funding

Community funding is a pot of money made available by organisations like Abri, aimed at supporting smaller local community organisations, community groups, small charities, and not-for-profit organisations that directly benefit the local community.

Organisations can apply for up to £3000 from Abri's community fund. At the moment, we're prioritising projects which will help support communities through the cost of living crisis.

Who Can Apply for Community Funding?

Abri's community funding program is designed to support smaller local voluntary organisations and community groups, as well as small charities and not-for-profit organisations. These entities often work at the grassroots level and have a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by the local community. The projects proposed must provide tangible benefits to Abri's customers and the broader communities they serve.

Deciding Who Receives Funding

Our customer panel plays a central role in deciding who will be successful in their application. The panel's primary focus is on assessing the positive impact that each project will have on the local community and the individuals involved. Additionally, they seek projects that align with Abri's core focus areas:

1. Employment: Initiatives that provide opportunities for upskilling local individuals, offer volunteer opportunities, and conduct confidence-building activities or new experiences within the community.
2. Empowering Communities: Projects that foster community cohesion, bring people together, and develop community leaders.
3. Improving Health and Wellbeing: Initiatives that address physical and mental health concerns while working to reduce isolation, such as intergenerational activities.

Projects that demonstrate a positive environmental message and promote safer living environments are also highly regarded by the panel. Moreover, the customer panel is always mindful of ensuring value for money, making sure that the funds deliver the highest impact.

Applying for community funding: what are the panel looking for?

If you're applying for community funding, you should include the following information:

1. Community Benefit: Clearly outline how the project will benefit Abri's communities and the target beneficiaries.
2. Accessibility and Inclusion: Explain how the project ensures accessibility for all, addressing any potential barriers to participation.
3. Local Need: Explain why the project is needed in the chosen location, supported by evidence of the community's requirements.
4. Measuring Success: Describe how the project's success will be measured and what evidence will be provided to demonstrate its impact.
5. Sustainability: Detail plans for sustaining the project beyond the funding period, including potential legacies.

Top Tips for Applicants

To increase the chances of a successful community funding application, consider the following:

1. Concise and clear: Craft a clear and concise application that links all proposed activities to the positive impact on the community and aligns with Abri's focus areas.
2. Seek external input: Have someone not directly involved in the project review the application to ensure clarity and understanding.
3. Evidence local need: Provide robust evidence showcasing the local need and how the project addresses it.
4. Engagement strategy: Demonstrate how Abri customers will be encouraged to participate in the project.
5. Comprehensive documentation: Include all necessary supporting documents with the application.

When will I know if I have been successful in my community funding application?

After the community funding window closes, applicants can typically expect a decision within about 10 working days. However, this timeline may vary based on the volume of applications received. If an application is unsuccessful, Abri encourages applicants to seek feedback and potentially reapply, depending on the reasons for the initial rejection.

Can I apply for more community funding, if I've been successful in the past?

All our funded projects are asked to provide feedback to us when the project has been completed, without this the panel would struggle to consider further funding.  The panel will be happy to consider a further application from those who have clearly evidenced a successful outcome and lessons learnt for future project development.

Seeking Community Funding Opportunities

Community funding opportunities are not limited to Abri alone. Besides organisations like Abri, people can explore other avenues for community funding, such as:

1. Government Websites: Websites like Gov.uk often feature various funding opportunities and grants available at the national and local levels.
2. Local Authority: Check your local authority's website for information on community funding and grants specific to your area.
3. Voluntary Organisations: Local voluntary organisations often have knowledge of funding sources and can provide guidance on available opportunities.
4. Grant Finder Websites: Online platforms like Grant Finder can help you discover funding options based on your project's focus and location.
5. National Lottery: The National Lottery occasionally offers funding for community projects, providing an additional avenue for potential support.

Community funding plays a pivotal role in supporting transformative initiatives and nurturing the growth of local communities. By empowering organisations and individuals to bring their ideas to life, community funding fosters positive change and creates a ripple effect of progress, ultimately building stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.