The aim of the Grassroots Grants programme is to increase immediate grant funding and capacity building support to small voluntary and community groups and organisations, enabling them to continue or expand their work, including advocacy, community voice and service provision.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for a Grassroots Grant the group must:

• Be a not-for-profit, third sector voluntary or community group, active in their local community for not less than 12 months prior to application
• Have an income of less than £30,000 per annum, taken as an average over the last three years
• Be volunteer led (i.e. have a largely volunteer based input)
• Be connected with and/or meeting the needs of the local community
• Have a constitution/terms of reference

 Groups who cannot be funded are:

• Statutory organisations, such as Local Authorities
• Regional or local offices of a National organisation, unless they have a local committee and separate accounts
• Organisations that are for the sole relief of animals or plants

Grassroots funding cannot be used for:

• Promotion of religious or political causes
• Commercial ventures

What can be funded?

• Equipment, such as a computer, kitchen equipment or play equipment
• The costs of putting on a local event or workshop
• Staff costs to enable the employment of individuals
• Contribution to rent costs (related to the activity/service)
• Costs of attending an event or conference
• Training for Volunteers
• Additional activities to expand an existing funding project
• Activities that support community activity
• Activities that meet identified need in the local community
• Funding to support an organisation to achieve a quality or other standard relevant to their activities

This list is by no means exhaustive.  If you have any queries on what you would like funding for, please contact us.

What is the closing date for applications?

For grants under £900 the Foundation can accept applications at any time.  For grants over £900 the deadline is 1^st of each month, excluding January or August.  If you have an urgent funding request during January or August, please complete an application form and we will deal with it as soon as we can.

How much can we apply for?

You can apply for any amount between £250 and £5,000 and you may apply more than once during the three years of Grassroots Grants until you reach the £5,000 ceiling.  Please note however, that groups are not able to receive any more than £5,000 in total in Grassroots Grants from any funder.

How do we apply?

Applications for Grassroots Grants can be submitted online by clicking on one of the links below:

Grant applications under £900
Grant applications over £900

Berkshire Community Foundation also accept applications by post, fax or email; click here to download a copy of the Grassroots Grant Application Form. Completed application forms should be emailed or sent to:

Grants Manager
Berkshire Community Foundation
Arlington Business Park
Theale, Reading, RG7 4SA

Fax: 0118 930 4933

In response to feedback from the local community the Foundation offers an Outreach Service to groups who are interested in applying for a Grassroots Grant.  If you wish to discuss your project before submitting an application please do not hesitate to contact us:

Rachel Hughes - Grants Manager
Tel: 0118 930 3021

What happens next?

The Foundation will aim to make a decision on your application within 14 days of the closing date, provided you have fully completed the form and enclosed all supporting documents.  A Grants Officer or Outreach Worker may wish to meet with you during this time to discuss your application.

How are Grassroots Grants monitored?

Berkshire Community Foundation is keen to establish a two-way relationship with funded groups, as this is important to monitor progress.  Groups who have been funded will be sent a monitoring form approximately six months after the grant award to evaluate the progress and the effectiveness of the grant.  Organisations in receipt of a grant are asked to provide reports, updates and newsletters.  BCF also requests mention of the grant in annual reports, accounts and newsletters or any other appropriate publication or events. 

The Foundation may wish to visit groups who have received funding as part of the monitoring process; where possible The Foundation is keen to give active support to organisation, and welcomes invitations to attend open days. 

If, for any reason, the group is unable to use the grant for its original, defined purpose BCF will ask for monies to be returned unless alternative conditions have been subsequently agreed. 

What happens if our application is unsuccessful?

We will explain why your application was not successful and provide guidance as to whether you should apply again.