Ann Docwra Fund/Povertyrelief/ 20 Jan 2025

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Ann Docwra Fund

For the relief of poverty in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Background

Ann Docwra was a 17th-century Cambridge Quaker who provided significant resources to Quakers in Cambridge. She bequeathed the meeting house in Jesus Lane on a 1,000 year lease for Quakers to use. She also left a farm in Fulbourn to provide an income to alleviate the poverty of poor Quakers. This was finally sold in 2021, and the funds invested provide a substantial amount in annual income to be applied to the prevention and relief of poverty among Quakers and others in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

How to Apply

The fund is administered by the trustees of the Cambridgeshire Area Quaker Meeting charity. The Cambridgeshire Area Quaker Meeting is the collective of the local Quaker meetings in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, you can find more details here.

We recommend that, if you are uncertain about any aspect of your application, you contact your local Quaker Meeting, Locations | Quakers in Cambridgeshire (cambridgeshire-quakers.org.uk) or the Ann Docwra group, ann.docwra.fund@cambridgeshire-quakers.org.uk advising where you live in Cambridgeshire, and we can discuss the application with you before submission.

We have two classes of grant to disburse:

For Quaker applications up to £500 the Ann Docwra Committee will generally follow the recommendation of the relevant Pastoral or Role holder Friend(s).

For applications over £500, and for all non-Quaker applications, the Ann Docwra Committee will decide in consultation with the supporting individual or body (i.e. the relevant Pastoral/Role holder Friend, welfare agency, charity etc).  

AHF/Energy Resilience

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Energy Resilience Fund for Not-for-Profits in England

Charities and social enterprises that are looking to install energy-saving measures or generation technology to buildings/land (including new builds), and/or to purchase energy efficient or environmentally friendly vehicles or equipment can apply now for a blended funding package of loan and grant  to improve their energy resilience.

They may need this support for many different reasons, for example, reduced carbon emissions, energy cost savings, upgrading energy efficiency ratings to meet future regulations, increased use or comfort of buildings, replacing older vehicles and equipment with modern energy efficient versions.

Funding of £25,000 to £250,000 is available via a blend of grants (40%) and loans (60%). The loan repayment term is one to ten years. Loans have a 2.5% arrangement fee and an interest rate of 8.5% fixed per annum. Loans will generally be provided unsecured.

Eligible organisations must:

  • Be an incorporated voluntary, community or social enterprise organisation.
  • Be based in England and serving communities primarily within England.
  • Be constituted for social benefit and improving people’s lives or the environments they live in.
  • Have a minimum of two years’ operating activity.
  • Have a minimum turnover of £100,000 in their last set of end of year accounts.
  • Have fewer than 250 employees and either an annual turnover not exceeding £40 million or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding £35 million.
  • Be unable to access mainstream bank lending for this purpose.
  • Have freehold ownership or a suitable written lease agreement with a minimum of 12 years remaining on it if they are applying to install energy saving/generating measures to buildings/land.
  • Have the support of their senior decision makers for taking on loan finance.

Applications are currently being accepted. There is no deadline.

CPSL Mind/Goodlife Plus / 20 Jan 2025

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The Good Life Plus Fund launched in October 2024. This new Fund will run alongside the existing Good Life Fund, which has been running since January 2021.

The Good Life Fund Plus will see bigger sums of money granted to applicants, with sums of up to £10,000 awarded.

The Fund is aimed at new opportunities and we also welcome applicants who may have had funds awarded by the Good Life Fund and are looking to expand or develop their group or project.

Abby Glonek, Good Life Fund Co-Ordinator, said, “We are delighted that The Good Life Fund now has an additional grant to help support community projects across Cambridgeshire. This new fund marks an exciting next step in the Good Life Fund, and I encourage people to apply to begin your project journey with us. If you would like any support with your application, or have a question about either fund option, do please get in touch with the team and we will be very happy to support you with your application.”

To find out more information about The Good Life Fund Plus, please read our FAQ section below.

If you would like to learn more about the Good Life Fund  get in touch by emailing goodlifefund@cpslmind.org.uk or by calling us on 0300 303 4363.

 

Community Grants / Cambridge City Council / Deadline 14 January 2025

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The Cambridge City Council 2025-26 Community Grants

Next round starts 26 November 2024

 

What is available?

Voluntary and community groups can apply for up to £5,000 – this can be for a single activity or split between multiple activities with a combined maximum total of £5,000. Activities must reduce social and/or economic inequality for Cambridge residents with the greatest need. They can be open to anyone living within the city or alternatively be focused on a particular area or community within Cambridge.

Please note that if you have already applied to the earlier over £5,000 funding round which closed on 18 September then you are not eligible to apply for a £5,000 and under grant.

 

How to apply

You can choose to apply to either round one or round two but you cannot apply to both rounds.

 

Round one 

  • Launches on 26 November 2024. The deadline to apply is 14 January 2025.
  • Funding will be awarded from April 2025 and must be spent by 31 March 2026.

 

Round two 

Contact them if you are unsuccessful in the first round and would like to apply to the second round.

  • Launches on 23 April 2025. The deadline to apply is 3 June 2025.
  • Funding will be awarded from July 2025 and must be spent by 31 March 2026.

 

The application process is via an online application form, go to www.cambridge.gov.uk/community-grants-of-5000-and-under to view the guidelines and access the application form.

 

They will receive more requests than there is funding available; applications which focus on reducing inequality and can demonstrate clear evidence of need are likely to be more successful.  Please make sure your activity clearly fits their priorities and your group meets their eligibility criteria; if you are not sure, then give them a call to check.  If you are applying for the first time, or for a new activity it is important that you call to discuss your idea before applying.

 

Help and support

The Grants team and Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service (CCVS) are holding the following:

  • a webinar at 7pm, Tuesday 3 December covering the funding, application process and form. The webinar will be recorded and made available to view online afterwards.
  • face-to-face appointments on 4 December 2024 at the Cambridge Council for Voluntary Services offices in Arbury Court, Cambridge.

 

We strongly recommend that you attend one of the above sessions to ensure you are familiar with all the changes. Email grants@cambridge.gov.uk or phone 01223 457875 to book onto the webinar or make a face-to-face appointment or if you would like to check that your organisation or activity is eligible.

Climate Change Opportunity Fund / CPCA / Deadline for EOI 3rd January

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£1m fund now open for Local Climate Projects

Local public sector and community organisations are invited to submit their Expression of Interests to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Climate Change Opportunity Fund, aimed at schemes to combat climate change and mitigate its effects. 

What is available?

The Climate Change Opportunity Fund is now accepting Expression of Interests and will support Local Authorities, Parish Councils, not-for-profit and voluntary organisations and charities. This initiative is designed to develop and deliver innovative and impactful projects across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.  

Two briefing events will be held in the next two weeks to assist public sector stakeholders and potential grant applicants. These sessions will provide guidance on the application process and answer any questions.  

Typical projects aimed at protecting against or easing the effects of climate change could include:  

  • Collaborative or innovative projects that can be replicated or extended across the area  
  • Projects that significantly cut carbon emissions offering high value for money
  • Biodiversity improving and energy saving and generation projects 
  • Projects that unlock significant additional funding 

Funding is available for capital projects 

  • Funding from £50k to £150k could be available for individual projects 
  • Up to £250k for exceptional collaborative projects
  • A 10% match funding is required  
  • Projects demonstrating collaboration with partners are welcomed. 

How to apply

Application Timeline

  • Applications Opened: Monday 25 November 2024.
  • Expression of Interest Deadline: 5 PM, Friday 3rd January 2025.
  • Application Deadline: 5 PM, Friday 17 January 2025.
  • Announce funding decisions: By Monday 17 March 2025.

Please visit this website to find out more and to apply: Climate Change Opportunity Fund 2024/25 – Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority

National Lottery Community Fund release new vision for funding

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Everything begins with the community at The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF). Today, the organisation shares its plans to place community agency, power, and control at the core of its funding in England. It is committed to investing at least £3 billion in transformative projects by 2030.

NLCF is dedicated to working alongside communities to help build a fairer, stronger society.

The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) is introducing a bold new vision for supporting communities across England. Its funding strategy places community agency, power, and control at the core. The organisation plans to distribute at least £3 billion in life-changing funds by 2030.

Beginning in spring 2025, NLCF will implement changes across all its funding in England. These plans reflect the feedback from communities and third-sector organizations in England and reflect what is important to them.

Currently, NLCF is seeking partners for the development phases of three new initiatives:

  • Community Power Fund
  • You Decide funding
  • Grant Holder Support

These initiatives will focus on amplifying community voices and strengthening resilience for both communities and the organizations that support them. The aim is to empower communities to influence critical decisions affecting them and to actively participate in directing funds and support where they are most needed.

For more information check out their website: Our vision for funding in England | The National Lottery Community Fund

Illumina and Cambridgeshire Community Foundation launch new fund to support cancer patients and their loved ones

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Illumina, a global genomics and human health leader, has partnered with Cambridgeshire Community Foundation to set up the Illumina Community Fund.

It will offer grants of up to £10,000 to local charities and community groups whose work benefits individuals diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones.

Michael O’Toole, CEO at Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, commented:

“Local charities and community groups play a crucial role in providing tailored, on-the-ground support that complements NHS services for cancer patients and their families.

The funding will help these organisations to expand their reach, develop new programmes, and continue to provide essential services that help to face the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.”

Mark Robinson, Vice President & General Manager, UK & Ireland, Illumina, said:

“At Illumina, we’re committed to giving back to the communities in which we live and work. Through these grants, we’re proud to enable the local charities and community groups that are making a real difference to those diagnosed with cancer and their families during the most difficult of times.”

Grants are available for projects across Cambridgeshire.

National charities are eligible to apply, but applications are particularly encouraged from smaller, Cambridgeshire-based charities and community groups. If the fund becomes oversubscribed, priority will be given to the latter.

The fund has a total of £30,000 available to apply for from 2024 to 2025.

The first application deadline is 1 February 2025, with outcomes expected to be shared in spring 2025.

The fund is now open for applications, which can be submitted to Cambridgeshire Community Foundation. To find out more and apply for a grant, visit: cambscf.org.uk/funds/illumina/

Your Station Your Community improvement fund (YSYC) / GTR / Deadline 18 Dec 2024

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Your Station Your Community improvement fund (YSYC)

GTR is glad to announce the 3rd round of Your Station Your Community improvement fund (YSYC) grant funding. – which opens for applications from 1st November 2024

The fund will support local groups, charities, customers, and the communities on their line of route.

The causes they support are those that are of key importance to local communities on their network and to them.

Building lasting social value; under the following themes: mental health; education and employability skills amongst marginalised groups; diversity and inclusion; Railway 200 and environmental sustainability.

Please make sure you read the guidance notes for the updated information for the bidding for 2025/26.

What is available?

The grant fund offers accepts bids of:

  • Up to £10,000 – open applications
  • £10,000 – £50,000 – please contact them to discuss your proposal before applying

Also new for 2025/26 there are two Station Partner Support Grants open for applications.

  • Arts/Creative projects – £25,000
  • Horticulture/Environment projects – £25,000

Previous applicants and grant recipients may also apply to the fund.

The Station Partner Support Grants will support Community Rail and Station Partners volunteering at stations on the GTR network and also develop at least three new projects in partnership with new groups or as an individual practitioner, with a focus on the additional activity during 2025 for Railway 200.

They welcome applications from registered charities, individuals (for the Station Partner Support Grants), Community of Interest Companies (CICs), Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs); community groups and other not-for-profit organisations such as community rail partnerships, schools & colleges, Business Improvement Districts, town councils and parish councils.

Find out more and apply: 

Thameslink – Your station Your community Improvement Fund

If you have any questions about the guidance or the suitability of your project, please do get in touch – they will attempt to get back to you as soon as possible.

Email:  rob.whitehead@gtrailway.com

Deadline: 18th December 2024.

East Cambridgeshire Community Fund/ East Cambridgeshire District Council/ Deadline 9 Dec 2024

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The East Cambridgeshire Community Fund will be open to applications between 28 October to 9 December 2024.

What is available?

The aim of this small community grants scheme is to support local community groups to provide new or develop existing community services and initiatives that improve the quality of life for residents living in East Cambridgeshire.

There must be evidence of how the project meets local need, involves and empowers local people, ensures equality of access and an indication of how the project will be sustained. This grant scheme cannot give capital funding for buildings but can be used to buy equipment for the project.

Who can apply?  

Applicants must:

  • Have a written constitution
  • Have a management committee of at least three people: a Chair, a Treasurer and a Secretary
  • Have their own bank account with a requirement for two signatories for any payments made
  • Be able to provide an up to date copy of their accounts
  • Provide an Equal Opportunity and Child Protection Policy where applicable

If your organisation does not have a written constitution, mission statement and/or relevant protection policies, please contact Voluntary and Community Action East Cambridgeshire for advice in meeting these requirements. Please call 01353 666166 or email Voluntary and Community Action East Cambridgeshire.

How much money can you apply for? 

Up to 75% of the project costs can be sought, with a minimum grant of £250 and a maximum grant of £1000 payable.

We require 25% of the total project cost as cash or in-kind match funding. Only one grant per group/organisation may be awarded in any financial year (April – March).

For further information contact 01353 665555.

Application Forms 

Application forms are available below, you may either complete a paper version and send as a hard copy to the address on the application form, or apply online using our Self-Service Portal.  In order to complete the form online you must be registered as an Individual, registration is quick and easy and will only take a couple of minutes:

East Cambridgeshire Community Fund | East Cambridgeshire District Council (eastcambs.gov.uk)

Deadline: 9 December 2024

Social Value Investment / CPCA/ on-going

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The Social Impact Investment Fund (SIIF) is a £2.375 million fund dedicated to supporting charities and social enterprises in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough region. Funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) and managed by Allia, this innovative programme provides capital grants and loans to social and third sector organisations.

The SIIF was created to bridge the gap between what social ventures need and what traditional finance offers. We understand that many impactful organisations struggle to access patient and flexible capital that prioritises their mission to deliver social value over financial returns.

The SIIF is here to change that. By offering grants and social loans, the SIIF provides tailored support that empowers social ventures to achieve both their social and financial objectives, while fostering community development and economic growth.

Social Impact: To support organisations that create significant positive social outcomes

Financial Sustainability: To create a model for sustainable future social investment, particularly for those who cannot access traditional financial solutions

Good Growth: To stimulate economic and social development in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area.

The SIIF offers three key funding instruments:

  1. Grants: Non-repayable funds of £10,000 – £25,000; Best suited for charities or early-stage social enterprises with high social impact potential.
  2. Social Loans: Affordable loans of £10,000 – £75,000; Best suited for growing social ventures who want to transition to more commercial forms of capital.
  3. Revenue Participation Agreements (RPAs): An innovative funding model where capital of £10,000 – £75,000 is provided in exchange for a share of future revenues over a period; Best suited for revenue-generating organisations looking to grow without the pressure of traditional debt.

Grants are well-suited for non-profits or early-stage social ventures, while loans and RPAs are designed to drive growth and instil financial discipline in early to mid-stage companies, positioning them for larger, more traditional forms of capital, such as debt and equity.

To apply for any of the funding options under the Social Impact Investment Fund (SIIF), your organisation must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Location: Your organisation must be based in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) region, including Peterborough, Fenland, Huntingdonshire, East Cambridgeshire, South Cambridgeshire, and Cambridge.

Social Impact Mission: Your organisation should have a clear social impact mission and a commitment to creating positive social outcomes in the local community, especially in line with CPCA’s aims to reduce inequality, create jobs, boost the economy, affordable housing, and build environmental resilience.

Capital Use: The grant and loan funding must be used for capital projects that contribute to growth, development, or expansion of the organisation, such as new product development, entering new markets, or increasing operational capacity to serve more customers and beneficiaries.

Financial Viability: Applicants must demonstrate financial stability and a realistic plan for sustainability.

Compliance: Organisations must comply with relevant legal, regulatory, and governance requirements, including subsidy control rules, as applicable.

https://futurebusinesscentre.co.uk/programmes/cpca-social-impact-investment-fund/

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