Calling Grassroots Charities: Secure Funding for Your Community Project with the Wesleyan Community Grants Fund!

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Are you a small, local charity working tirelessly to improve lives in your community?  The Wesleyan Community Grants Fund might be the perfect opportunity to secure funding for your vital project!

Who is the Wesleyan Foundation?

Established by financial services mutual Wesleyan, the Wesleyan Foundation aims to support those in need by funding community projects and charities. They're particularly interested in projects that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on:

• Climate Action

• Quality Education

• Reducing Inequalities

• Gender Equality

• Good Health and Wellbeing

What Projects Qualify for Funding?

The Wesleyan Community Grants Fund prioritizes applications that directly address community needs. Here are some examples of projects they might support:

• Mental health support programs

• Resources and services for individuals with disabilities

• Bereavement support groups

• Initiatives to address the rising cost of living.

• Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) programs

• Domestic violence support services

• Befriending and social clubs for isolated individuals

• Programs supporting the elderly and vulnerable populations.

• Dementia care and quality-of-life initiatives

• Social prescribing projects that ease pressure on the NHS

• Employment support services like skills training and job preparation

• Educational projects for all ages

• Initiatives tackling discrimination and promoting inclusion.

• Environmental education and climate action projects

How Much Funding is Available?

Grants range from £2,000 to £10,000 and must be spent within one year of receiving them.  Additionally, there are Priority Area Grants available for specific regions within the UK.

Who Can Apply?

The Wesleyan Community Grants Fund welcomes applications from various non-profit organisations, including:

• Registered charities

• Constituted community groups

• Companies Limited by Guarantee with charitable aims

• Community Interest Companies (CICs)

• Cooperatives and registered societies

• Social Enterprises

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for funding, your organisation must meet some key criteria:

• Be established for at least two years.

• Have a clear budget outlining project expense, including salary, equipment, and volunteer costs.

• Demonstrate a track record of responsible financial management.

• Have an annual income of less than £500,000.

What Won't Be Funded?

The Wesleyan Community Grants Fund excludes certain projects, such as:

• Initiatives led by individuals or sole traders.

• Projects solely focused on arts, media, or sports (unless benefiting disabled people)

• Capital building projects.

• Activities replacing statutory obligations or funded publicly.

• Religious or political activities

• Organisations with significant financial reserves

• Groups with a history of poor management or financial instability

• Deficit funding or loan repayment purposes

• Animal welfare projects unless directly benefiting people (e.g., therapy programs)

• Statutory work within educational institutions

• Pure sponsorships or fundraising event costs

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Additional Information

To submit a complete application, you'll need to provide supporting documentation such as:

• Proof of a governing body with at least three unrelated members

• Your organization's constitution or governing documents

• Latest annual accounts or financial records

• A dedicated bank account for the organization with two unrelated signatories

• Recent bank statements

• Safeguarding policy (if working with vulnerable populations)

• Equal opportunities policy

• Quotes for capital items exceeding £300.

Ready to Apply?

Head over to the Wesleyan Foundation website https://www.wesleyan.co.uk/foundation/apply-for-a-grant for detailed application guidelines and deadlines. Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to make a real difference in your community!

Need Help with Your Application?

Many grant applications can be complex but We Bid For Funding is here to make your grant applications easy and stress free.

Contact us today to discuss your eligibility for the Wesleyan Community Grants Fund and explore how our grant writing expertise can help your organisation secure the critical funding it needs.

Together, let's build stronger and healthier communities!