Derbyshire Community Foundation

Foundation Derbyshire supports a broad range of causes including children and young people, older people, mental health and well-being, physical health, poverty and hardship, homelessness, education and skills, arts and culture, environment, community development, carers, sport and recreation, and disability. They are particularly interested in projects that address mental health, use arts or horticulture, build safer communities, support young people and the elderly, and promote community cohesion and education. Grants can fund capital equipment, running costs, one-off events, and project delivery. All funding is restricted to projects that benefit people within Derbyshire, with a focus on tackling disadvantage and improving community life.

Registered charities, community interest companies, and community groups can apply. The foundation particularly welcomes applications from smaller grassroots organisations, especially those with modest incomes. National charities are eligible only if they are a small, self-financing local branch with a distinct Derbyshire-focused project. Applicants should be based in or serve people within Derbyshire. There is no religious restriction on applicants. The foundation values local knowledge and community-led decision-making, so groups run by local people are encouraged to apply.

They do not fund profit-making organisations, medical equipment, animal charities, or religious activities. Excluded also are statutory bodies such as schools, hospitals and police, projects that directly replace statutory obligations, political activities, retrospective costs, and sponsored events. National charities are only eligible if they are a small, self-financing local branch with a distinct Derbyshire-focused project. Groups with an active grant or who have received a grant in the last 12 months are not eligible, and multiple applications from the same group are not accepted.

Foundation Derbyshire makes one-off grants that must be spent within a year. Funding can be used for capital equipment, core running costs, and one-off events or projects. They welcome unsolicited applications and accept them on a rolling basis throughout the year.