As we bid farewell to the festive season and the echoes of jingle bells begin to fade, let’s dive into the heart-warming symphony of giving that December has orchestrated for our community interest companies (CICs).
Just like the twinkling lights that adorned our homes, there’s a sparkle in the realm of grants and charity funding advice waiting to illuminate the path for CICs in 2023.
So, grab your favourite post-holiday treat, cosy up with a warm cuppa, and join us on a journey through the latest and greatest in the world of funding – where goodwill meets strategy and dreams find their wings!
Funding to Encourage Less Active People to Become More Active (England)
We want to support projects that bring communities together and provide sport and physical activities for people who may be less physically active.
We also particularly want to support projects focusing on environmental sustainability.
We believe that communities that work together and share resources provide a stronger and more sustainable impact.
Eligibility: Our priority is to support projects working with people living in areas of disadvantage as defined by the Indices of Multiple Deprivation areas 1 to 3.
Funding Activity: Awards are to help inactive and less active people become more active.
Applications should explain why there’s a need for the project and how end users have been involved in developing the project.
Applications should consider how the project adds value to services currently available in your local community, and work collaboratively with other groups to maximise the impact of the project.
Grant Range: £300-£15,000
John Lewis Foundation
The John Lewis Foundation exists to create a happier world where all young people can access meaningful employment.
We will do this by investing in vulnerable children and young adults, providing education and skills for meaningful employment.
We are:
- Focused on vulnerable children and young adults living in the most disadvantaged communities
- Working with communities in the UK and overseas, where the John Lewis business operates and sources
- Maximising impact by investing in partnerships that catalyse innovative youth employment projects and help bring proven concepts to scale.
Eligibility: The John Lewis Foundation awards discretionary grants (typically up to £10,000) to registered charities and CICs working with disadvantaged communities helping them to acquire the relevant skills required for meaningful employment. The Partnership does this by investing in vulnerable children and young adults, providing education and skills for meaningful employment.
Funding Activity:
- Focused on vulnerable children and young adults living in the most disadvantaged communities
- Working with communities in the UK and overseas, where the John Lewis business operates and sources
- Maximising impact by investing in partnerships that catalyse innovative youth employment projects and help bring proven concepts to scale
Grant Range: up to £10,000
The Deptford Challenge Trust (DCT)
The Deptford Challenge Trust (DCT) is a charitable trust that makes grants to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in a defined area of Lewisham, which covers Deptford and parts of New Cross.
Eligibility:
There must be a signed governing document in place appropriate to the legal structure. This must include an asset lock (or equivalent clause) and the purpose of all funded activities must be charitable (not for profit). This includes:
Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) – may also be registered as a Charity or a Community Interest Company Limited by Guarantee (CICLG)
Trust
Unincorporated Association
Community Benefit Societies (CBS). Ideally, the CBS will also be registered as charitable with HMRC, however this is not essential.
Funding Activity:
Applications are welcomed for projects which work with residents of any age, gender and ethnic background, under the following themes:
Education and skills – helping those who need extra support to either stay in education or return to it later in life
Community cohesion and social inclusion – celebrating the diversity of the DCT area and welcoming new arrivals into the community
Health & wellbeing – improving the wellbeing of all residents, in particular those with a physical disability, learning difficulty or mental health problem
Strengthening the DCT area – building capacity and connecting local organisations, creating a stronger, more resilient voluntary and community sector
Crisis support – to provide services to support people in poverty or crisis in the DCT area
Lambeth Wellbeing Fund
We are delighted to offer the Lambeth Wellbeing Fund for an eighth year, thanks to a continued partnership with NHS South East London and the Public Health Directorate of the London Borough of Lambeth. The programme contributes to the Lambeth Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
Eligibility:
Projects should support participants to address at least one of the following:
- Being able to manage their own health and wellbeing (or condition) and being supported to do so. This also includes having access to the right information and support, and being able to stay healthy;
- Being able to have the right things in place to help them to avoid a crisis, or to limit the impact of a crisis, particularly for people who are living independently;
- Feeling that they are part of a community.
Funding Activity:
- Be primarily working with Adults (18+);
- Demonstrate how they contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of Lambeth residents;
- Seek to engage those who are not currently accessing activities/services. We are interested in projects that will help break down barriers to engagement. We are not looking to fund activities supporting an existing cohort of well engaged residents, but we will support the expansion of an existing service to reach out to new participants.
- Meet an identified need. You will need to demonstrate that the project is wanted and needed by communities who will benefit, for example, through consultation or informal feedback.
- Be working with or seek to work in partnership with other local organisations, community groups or service providers including GPs, pharmacies and local facilities such as extra care and sheltered housing schemes;
- Be led by the communities who will benefit
Grant Range: £1,000 and £5,000
Stay Informed
Knowledge is power. Keep yourself updated with the latest funding trends, policy changes, and success stories within the CIC sector. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow our blog for regular insights that can empower your organization to navigate the funding landscape effectively.
Advocacy Initiatives
Together, we can bring about change. Join our advocacy initiatives aimed at highlighting the importance of CICs and the invaluable contributions they make to communities. By raising awareness, we can influence policy-makers and create an environment that fosters increased support for CICs.
Conclusion:
“The challenges of 2023 are behind us, and the opportunities of 2024 lie ahead. Let’s embark on this new year with resilience and determination. By taking advantage of the resources and support available, your CIC can not only overcome obstacles but also thrive in its mission to create positive change. Together, let’s make 2024 a year of growth, impact, and success for your organization.”
How we can help
If you need help getting CIC funds, give us a call Call us today on 0207 953 8913 or complete our enquiry form in order to book a FREE initial CIC consultation.
Call us today on 0207 953 8913 or complete our enquiry form in order to book a FREE initial CIC consultation.
Categories: Charities, charity grants, cic grants, community funding grants, Community Interest Companies, Grant Funding uk
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