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VAWD Home > Funding opportunities > Small grants for local groups

Small grants for local groups

If you want to apply to a funder, there are things you will need to have in place first. These include:

  • bank account in the name of your group
  • a clear understanding of what you are asking for money for and how much it is going to cost
  • in most cases, a constitution.

You need to read the funders guidelines carefully to ensure you have everything you need in place first and are eligible to apply. You can learn more about what you need to apply to a funder in New Groups' Guide to Starting Up This toolkit is published by Voluntary Action Wakefield District (VAWD) and was produced as part of the Basis programme which was funded by the Big Lottery.

Below are details of a selection of key funders and their small grant opportunities of up to £10,000 for local groups. You can also gain access to GRANTnet to help find funding for projects online via fit4funding's website at www.fit4funding.org.uk

Other funding opportunities and news are found in the funding news and opportunities section of this website.

For information or advice about small grants for local groups, contact VAWD

Active Life Fund for the over 50s

If you want to start a new activity which will benefit people over 50, grants of up to £500 are available from a fund set up by Wakefield Council's Family Services, NHS Wakefield District and Age UK. It can pay for things like room hire, tutors or speakers, equipment, or other start up costs for the new activities. Please note that it can't be used for food, parties or trips. 

  • Nicola Phillis at NHS Wakefield District on 01924 315796 or email nicola.phillis@wdpct.nhs.uk 

Coalfields Regeneration Trust - Level 1 grants of £500 to £5,000 up to 31 March 2013

Are you a not-for-profit group with a Constitution and Bank Account operating in one of Coalfields Regeneration Trust's (CRT) former coalfield areas? CRT has grants of £500 to £5,000 for projects that help people back into work, improve skills and health, promote volunteering and develop grass roots community activity. If you’ve had a previous Bridging the Gap grant with CRT and it is more than 12 months since your offer date you may be able to apply again.

  • To check if your project/activity is eligible, contact Neil Topliss on 01709 765574.
  • For more information on the Level 1 grant look at the new guidance notes at www.coalfields-regen.org.uk/docs/225.pdf

Community Foundation for Wakefield District

The Community Foundation for Wakefield District was established in early 2007. It is part of a growing network of grant-giving organisations in the UK and worldwide. The Foundation relies on donations from individual and corporate donors, whose generosity supports its grant-making programme.

Get Started grants - support for groups to be inclusive of disabled young people

The Barnardo's Get Started Inclusion Team has grants available to voluntary mainstream leisure providers, such as dance clubs, scouts or guides and art clubs. The grants aim to support groups to be more inclusive of disabled young people. The grants are for up to £500 and could be spent on equipment or training. They are for voluntary groups in the Wakefield District. The grant criteria, application form and guidance notes can be downloaded below.

Healthy Heart Grants

Heart Research UK has grants for community and voluntary organisations available under its Healthy Hearts Grants programme. Grants up to £10,000 are available to support innovative projects that promote heart health and lower the risks of heart disease. Salaries of permanent staff members or general running costs will not be covered, only the extra costs specifically for the project. Capital costs of up 50 per cent of the total grant application will be covered, up to a £2,000 limit. There are two rounds each year, one in May and one in November. Applications for the May round can be submitted during January and February with a closing date of 28 February. Applications for the November round can be submitted during July and August with a closing date of 31 August. Applications will not be accepted outside of these dates.  

NHS Wakefield District: Health and Community Development Grants Fund

Grants up to £500 for voluntary and community groups for small projects or development opportunities.

  • Contact: Linda Johnson, Communities and Partnerships, Wakefield District Primary Care Trust, International House, Waldorf Way, Turner Way, Wakefield, WF2 8EF
  • Telephone: 01924 315765
  • Email: linda.johnson@wdpct.nhs.uk

Normanton Town Council grants

Normanton Town Council considers small grant applications of up to £500 once per year. It is normally advertised locally in October, and applications need to be submitted by 31 December. Forms can be obtained from Normanton Town Council offices at any time.

  • Contact: Town Council Office on 01924 893794.

Sported

Sported has opened the latest round of its small grants programme which offers up to £2000 for specific projects. This programme is targeted at smaller groups with an income of less than £50k who can demonstrate they use physical activity to change the lives of young people and develop communities. The deadline is the end of March 2012. The charity offers additional support and funding programmes, including awards of up to £10,000. Find out more and see if you are eligible:

Wakefield Metropolitan District Council (WMDC) Communities Team: Community Chest

This fund provides access to small grants for community and voluntary groups active in Wakefield District. Eligible organisations can apply for grants to cover the cost of equipment, training, improvements to community buildings, publicity and stationery etc.

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