Current funds

If you are unsure which fund to apply for or need help at any stage of your application, please call us on 0116 222 2205 or e-mail grants@llrcommunityfoundation.org.uk
Our Grants Panels are usually held in January, April, July and October every year.
Deadlines for applications are 4-6 weeks before the Panel. This gives us time to assess applications fairly and fully before they go to the Panel for a final decision. The Panel is made up of 2 or 3 trustees and an advisory group of 6-8 people drawn from all communities across the city and counties.

Comic Relief Local Communities Programme

This is a 2-year fund, aiming to empower local people in areas of economic and social deprivation to create lasting change in their communities. Grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available for projects to increase local services, build skills of local people, increase community cohesion or respond to local economic needs.
For the September round only, we aim to spend at least 50% of the money available on projects which increase access to sport and exercise for people who face social exclusion and isolation.
Application deadline: Friday 9 September 2011 for the September Grants Panel meeting.
Application deadline: Monday 13 February 2012 for the April Grants Panel meeting.
(Applications can be handed in to the reception desk up until 5pm on this day. If a member of staff is not personally available, a written receipt will be given.)
Click here to download the application guidelines
Click here to apply online (please read the guidelines first to make sure your group is eligible).
Online applications are preferred where possible but if you are unable to apply online please contact us to ask for an application form by post or e-mail. Remember to state which fund you are applying to.

The Leicestershire Fund

This fund is aimed at small groups and projects, where a grant can make a real difference to improve the quality of life and life chances in Leicestershire (including Leicester).Grants of £1,000 to £5,000 are available for projects that provide services or activities, involving or set up by people in the local community.
Application deadline: Monday 21 November 2011 for the January Grants Panel meeting.
Application deadline: Monday 13 February 2012 for the April Grants Panel meeting.
(Applications can be handed in to the reception desk up until 5pm on this day. If the Grants Officer is not personally available, a written receipt will be given)
Click here to download the application guidelines
Click here to apply online  (please read the guidelines first to make sure your group is eligible).
Online applications are preferred where possible but if you are unable to apply online please contact us to ask for an application form by post or e-mail. Remember to state which fund you are applying to.

Mars in the Community

In partnership with Mars – the global company with a base in Leicestershire - we give out small grants in areas surrounding the local Mars factories for environmental, pet welfare and healthy living projects. Grants of £500 upwards are now available – or Mars can donate chocolates for raffles and prizes to help you raise money yourself. Applications are usually reviewed by Mars at the end of March, June, September and November each year.
Click here to apply for a Mars grant.

Local Donors' Funds

We hold a number of funds set up by local companies and individuals to support communities in Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland. Grants of up to £1,000 are available for small, locally run projects. There are no deadlines for this programme so you can apply at any time but please remember that your application can only be considered when we have received Parts A and B of the application. We aim to give decisions within 6 weeks of application.
Click here to download the application guidelines.
Click here to apply online (we suggest you read the guidelines first to make sure your group is eligible).
Online applications are preferred where possible but if you are unable to apply online please contact us to ask for an application form by post or e-mail. Remember to state which fund you are applying to.

Leicestershire First

We work in partnership with Leicestershire First, the awards scheme set up by Maurice and Vivien Thompson. There are 5 awards throughout the year for outstanding contributions from within communities in Leicestershire and Rutland, and winners are given £3,000 to donate to the charity of their choice. Find out more here.

The Henry Smith Charity:

is a large grant making charity which makes grants to up to 1,000 organisations and charities across the UK for initiatives and projects that address social inequality and economic disadvantage  It has a Leicestershire base and there are specific grants available to Leicestershire: details of deadlines and information about how to apply can be found in the Grants section of  http://www.henrysmithcharity.org.uk/

Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation aims to be fair and transparent in giving grants. If an organisation disagrees with a decision made by the Grants Panel, there is an Appeals process: find out more about how we make decisions or how to appeal here.