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GRANTS

Small and Vital Grant 

Berkshire Community Foundation’s Small & Vital Fund is open for applications all year round.

Grant Size: up to £1,000

We know that small community groups often need small amounts of funding to make a big difference. The Small & Vital Fund offers quick, flexible support to help organisations continue their work and respond to local needs.

To apply, your organisation must have an annual income of £10,000 or less. If your organisation has an income above £10,000, you will need to apply to one of our other funding programmes. You must have been operating for at least 12 months and be able to provide 12 months of financial records e.g. annual accounts. 

We are open to funding a wide range of projects, your organisation might:

  • Bring people together and reduce isolation
  • Provide education and training opportunities
  • Support people facing challenges or disadvantage
  • Improve wellbeing, confidence or life skills
  • Provide practical help to those who need it most
  • Strengthen the community

Allocation Priorities

When reviewing applications, we will consider:

  • The difference your project will make
  • Your connection to the community you serve
  • How realistic and achievable your plans are
  • The level of need you are responding to
  • Any previous funding from BCF and outstanding monitoring reports

 

You Are Not Eligible to Apply If:

  • Your organisation has an annual income above £10,000
  • You do not meet our general eligibility criteria
  • You are applying as an individual
  • Your project is based primarily outside Berkshire
  • You are seeking funding for costs already incurred
  • You have been operating for under 12 months
  • You cannot provide 12 months of financial records e.g. annual accounts
Home Start Wokingham District Mum group
Thrive volunteers planting in the garden

The Application Process

  • Applications are open all year round. Please email the Grants team at grants@berkshirecf.org, if you meet the criteria of the fund you will receive a link to the application form.
  • Grants up to a maximum of £1,000 will be considered, subject to funding availability
  • Your application form must be completed on-line and submitted along with governing documents, including your organisation’s constitution , latest annual accounts, bank statement, safeguarding policy and equality and diversity policies.
  • If you have not been funded by BCF before, we strongly suggest that you also submit a letter of recommendation that validates your work or performance. This could come from an organisation you have worked closely with e.g. your local centre for voluntary service, your local authority, a beneficiary or your service or a fellow charity.
  • Please note that Berkshire Community Foundation receive many more applications than we have available funding for, and we cannot guarantee the success of any application.

If you are eligible and would like to submit an application please email grants@berkshirecf.org