UK Community Foundations

They fund a broad spectrum of community-led projects across the UK. This includes creative and cultural activities, such as those supported through the Let's Create Jubilee Fund for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, and general community initiatives addressing local needs. The Nationwide Community Grants programme, delivered in partnership with Nationwide, provides funding across 11 UK regions. Priority areas include community development, poverty alleviation, support for youth and elderly, and environmental projects. They support voluntary and community groups to develop activities that bring people together and strengthen local communities. All funding is channelled through local community foundations, ensuring relevance to each area.

Applications are open to charities, community land trusts, and housing co-operatives. They also welcome voluntary and community groups that are rooted in their local areas. Both registered charities and non-registered community groups with charitable aims can apply. Organisations should be based in the UK and working at a local level. The network prioritises smaller, grassroots groups that have strong connections to the communities they serve.

They do not fund companies or community interest companies limited by shares. Activities that promote political or religious beliefs are excluded, as are activities that should be provided by statutory services. These exclusions apply across their grant programmes.

UK Community Foundations works through a network of local community foundations to deliver grant programmes on behalf of partner organisations. They fund project-based initiatives and welcome unsolicited applications from eligible groups. Their place-based model means funding decisions are made locally, with each community foundation understanding the specific needs of its area. They partner with national organisations to achieve scale while maintaining local relevance.