Current funds

Before applying for a fund, all potential applicants are strongly advised to discuss their proposal with our Grants Officer Jane Avery before submitting an application. Jane's contact details are below.

The Community Foundation Fund

In partnership with emda, we give out grants for larger projects that can improve and sustain the economic climate of an area and its way of life: for example, setting up a rural service, or a vital local facility like childcare provision. Grants of up to £20,000 are available but must be spent by 31 March 2011.
Application deadlines:
30 November 2010 for the next Grants Panel meeting. (Applications can be handed in to the reception desk up until 5pm on this day. A written receipt will be given, but please note it may not be possible to see the Grants Officer on this day. If you would like advice on your application, a draft copy can be submitted up to a week before the deadline.)

Download an application form and read the guidelines for the Community Foundation Fund.

The Leicestershire Fund

This new 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 £500 to £5,000 are available for projects that provide services or activities, involving or set up by people in the local community.
Application Deadlines:
30 November 2010 for the next Grants Panel meeting. (Applications can be handed in to the reception desk up until 5pm on this day. A written receipt will be given, but please note it may not be possible to see the Grants Officer on this day. If you would like advice on your application, a draft copy can be submitted up to a week before the deadline.)
Download the application guidelines, click here.
Click here to apply online (we suggest you read the guidelines first to make sure your group is eligible).
Please contact us if you would prefer to receive a copy of the application form by e-mail or post.

Comic Relief

We can fund sport or community projects that make a sustained beneficial impact on the lives of people who are excluded or disadvantaged. Grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available for projects focusing on low income, rural or social isolation, age, disabilities, race, sexuality or gender.
Application deadlines:
04 March 2011 for the next Grants Panel meeting. (Applications can be handed in to the reception desk up until 5pm on this day. A written receipt will be given, but please note it may not be possible to see the Grants Officer on this day. If you would like advice on your application, a draft copy can be submitted up to a week before the deadline.)
Download the application guidelines, click here.
Click here to apply online (we suggest you read the guidelines first to make sure your group is eligible).
Please contact us if you would prefer to receive a copy of the application form by post.

Mars in the Community

In partnership with Mars – the global company with bases in Leicestershire and Waltham - we give out small grants 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 will be reviewed by a committee 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 £500 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’t be considered until we have received Parts A and B of the application. We aim to give you a decision within 6 weeks of your application.
Download the application guidelines, click here.
Click here to apply online (we suggest you read the guidelines first to make sure your group is eligible).
Please contact us if you would prefer to receive a copy of the application form by e-mail or post.

Leicestershire First

In October 2009, we have partnered up with Leicestershire First, the award-giving 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 Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation Fund 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 which can be read here.