Community Foundation for Wiltshire & Swindon

Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation, founded in 1975 as an independent charity (formerly Community Foundation for Wiltshire & Swindon), tackles disadvantage and strengthens communities across Wiltshire and Swindon by inspiring local philanthropy and connecting donors to high-impact causes. Guided by core values of bravery, representation, informed decision-making, collaboration, kindness, and strategy, it employs a data-driven approach—leveraging tools like Local Insight for needs analysis—to target funding where it's most needed, evolving from general grants to strategic, research-backed investments that build lasting change through partnerships with local authorities and the voluntary sector.

It prioritises addressing poverty's effects, supporting children and young people, and alleviating poor mental health amid the cost-of-living crisis, funding grassroots to medium-sized groups combating inequality, deprivation, fuel poverty, and isolation. Grants cover projects, core costs, capacity building, multi-year development, emergency relief (e.g., Household Support Fund for food/heating), and limited capital up to £5,000, including initiatives like youth mental health, Surviving Winter for elderly fuel poverty prevention, and white goods for hardship-hit households. In 2023/24, it distributed £1.6m+ via 211 grants to 157 organisations, benefiting 72,000+ people.

Eligible applicants are community groups, voluntary organisations, and not-for-profits based in or delivering for Wiltshire/Swindon, with a preference for those under £500k income (some programmes under £200k), robust governance (at least three unrelated trustees, <12 months unrestricted reserves), and safeguarding policies. Typical grants range £750–£20,000 (averaging £2,000–£5,000), applied for via online forms in quarterly rounds (e.g., next windows Oct 2025–Jan 2027; decisions 8–12 weeks post-closure). It rarely funds undifferentiated community activities, standing out as the region's largest grant-maker with £30m+ endowment, 160+ funds, and tailored support for small/emerging groups.