Community Grant
For small grassroots groups to help fund activities and projects that build local communities.
Apply for a grant
We’ve been lending a hand with our community grant scheme since 2018
Our Community Grants Programme backs the doers on the ground. With small awards and a straightforward process, we help deserving grassroots organisations get the extra boost they need to deliver projects that make a real, local difference.
We’ve been really proud to have supported so many groups and projects since we began our grants in 2020.
Here are just a few of those amazing organisations.
Challengers in Guildford
Eastleigh Youth & Community Trust
Sunshine Radio
Serv Wessex Blood Bikes
Elson Community Library Hub
STAND up Portsmouth
Solent Junior Devils - Gosport
Folk Active - Southampton
6th Gosport Scout Group
Basketball 4 Buckland
Boogie Mites - Portsmouth
Zero Waste Portsmouth
Men in Sheds Winchester
1st Warsash Sea Scouts
Portsmouth 16th Girlguides
Broadlands Group RDA - Alton
The Elizabeth Foundation
Citizens Advice - Havant
Isle of Wight Skaters
South Coast Volleyball Club
Mustard Seed Autism Trust
Enable Ability
Hampshire & IOW Air Ambulance
Off The Record
Fareham District Scout Band
Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue
Gosport & Fareham Rugby Club
Wessex Cancer Support
Latest Grant News
We have grants available every three months to eligible applicants.
We offer grants of up to £500 per application
Grant application's last date for entry is the 15th of every:
December | March | June | September
All activities must have a direct impact on community engagement or development, from projects, events and support. If it’s going to make a difference, then you’re off to a good start.
An organisation must reside and operate within our common-bond. Our common-bond is Hampshire & IOW, Reading, Newbury, Bracknell, Bournemouth and surrounding central southern areas.
Guidelines for applications.
The Community Grant Award allows individuals, groups and associations to fund projects and events for the benefit of the local community. Wessex Community Bank allocates grants of up to £500, although the amount may vary.
Applications from any persons living or working in Hampshire & IOW, Bournemouth, Reading, Newbury, Woking, Guildford & surrounding areas. Those who are involved in a local charity or community event, project or activity will be considered provided the application fulfils the application criteria.
You should hear the outcome of the award within 10 days following the closing date. Payment for successful applications should be made within 14 days of the application closing date.
Conditions of entry
The Community Grant Award allows individuals, groups and associations to fund projects and events for the benefit of the local community. Wessex Community Bank allocates grants of up to £500, although the amount may vary.
Applications from any persons living or working in Hampshire & IOW, Bournemouth, Reading, Newbury, Woking, Guildford & surrounding areas. Those who are involved in a local charity or community event, project or activity will be considered provided the application fulfils the application criteria.
You should hear the outcome of the award within 10 days following the closing date. Payment for successful applications should be made within 14 days of the application closing date.
Any beneficiary of the grant must be made aware by the applicant of the application and its conditions and is happy for it to go ahead.
The event/project/activity must take place in Hampshire & IOW, Reading, Newbury, Bracknell, Bournemouth and surrounding areas.
We will only consider one application for the same beneficiary, even if submitted by different Members.
If the grant is awarded, payment will be made by cheque payable to the event, project or activity.
Grant payments will not be made to individuals or persons.
We can not accept applications from organisations set up, supported or run by local authorities, housing associations, or corporate or government bodies which have access to internal funding sources.
The beneficiary gives full permission for the grant to be used in any publicity and articles for the press.
Successful applicants/events/beneficiaries will be published on the Wessex Community Bank website and details may also be posted to our social media pages, including Facebook and Twitter. We may also request that our logo be included in any literature/brochures, or promotional material related to the event.
The beneficiary is fully responsible for all accountancy rules regarding grant funding and any potential VAT liability.
If the requested grant event does not take place and is permanently cancelled, Wessex Community bank will request a refund of the grant without entering into a dispute.
Guidance for applying
We support activities that have a clear and direct impact on community engagement, community development or local support.
This may include local projects, community events, practical support activities, equipment, venue hire, accessibility items, safety items, reusable resources, materials or other meaningful costs that help the activity take place.
A strong application should clearly explain:
What the grant will pay for.
Who will benefit.
Where the activity will take place.
How the project, event or activity will make a difference.
Why the cost is needed.
Whether the item or resource can be used again in the future.
The grant should be for something specific and practical. We are more likely to support an application that says exactly what is needed, such as equipment, hall hire, activity materials or accessibility resources, rather than a general request for money.
Examples of stronger applications
A community group applying for venue hire and activity materials for a local community event.
A disability sports group is applying for equipment that helps participants take part safely.
A local riding group is applying for a GoPro camera and mounting equipment so disabled children can record and remember their riding sessions.
A community association applying for reusable games, tables or materials for a local event.
A club that needs to repair a leaky roof in a building used to provide facilities for disabled children
Examples of costs we do not normally support
Wages or salary costs.
Food or refreshments.
Household or organisational bills.
General running costs.
Coaching fees.
Debt repayment.
Fundraising costs where the benefit is not directly local.
Vague or unclear costs.
Applications where it is not clear what the grant will directly pay for.
For example, an application requesting food for a community barbecue would not normally be approved. However, an application for hall hire, reusable games, accessible equipment or activity materials for a community event may be considered.
Who can apply
Applications from any persons living or working in Hampshire & IOW, Bournemouth, Reading, Newbury, Woking, Guildford & surrounding areas. Those who are involved in a local charity or community event, project or activity will be considered provided the application fulfils the application criteria.
We do not normally support applications from:
National charities.
Schools.
Organisations set up, supported or run by local authorities.
Organisations set up, supported or run by housing associations.
Corporate bodies.
Organisations that have access to internal, statutory or corporate funding sources.