If you represent a local charity, community or voluntary group, you can use this page to apply for the Community Contribution Fund for 2024-25.
Community Contribution Fund
The B&NES Community Contribution Fund is a scheme that offers residents the chance to pay into a good causes fund to help local charity, community and voluntary groups to reduce inequalities in the area. Inequalities relates to all protected characteristics as well as those people who are disadvantaged by financial circumstances, locality, education, health and wellbeing.
The scheme has been operating since 2021 with over £40,000 donated and distributed to local organisations via an annual grant scheme.
The current total stands at just over £7,000 and the Council has now re-opened the fund to applications.
Fund eligibility and application criteria
For this round, we are offering small grants of either £500 or £1,000 for new projects or activities that will both reduce inequality and benefit those over the age of 55. This does not mean that intergenerational projects would be excluded.
The aim is to help organisations get a new activity off the ground – perhaps trialling something completely new, or taking an existing activity to a different area within Bath and North East Somerset. It is hoped that in all cases, the funding will help kick start a new activity that will become self-sustaining.
Grants can be used for the equipment needed to start a new activity or the delivery of services, or a mix of both.
Any charity, voluntary or community organisation that operates for the benefit of residents in Bath and North East Somerset and is not for profit may apply. This includes Parish Councils. Applicants need to have a formal constitution and valid bank account, or detail a suitable organisation that can manage the funds on their behalf.
Grant funding total
Organisations can apply for grants of either £500 or £1,000. Only one application per organisation will be accepted.
Application deadline
The deadline for applications is 30 May 2025.
Application criteria
All applications must support residents in Bath and North East Somerset.
Grants are not available to:
- Individuals
- Bath & North East Somerset Council
- Political groups or activities promoting political beliefs
- Projects which have already been completed
- Activities promoting any religion, faith or belief
Get ready to apply
Starting this application, you'll need the following information:
- Brief description of your organisation aims and activities (200 word limit)
- The location of your project, activity or service if applicable
- How the grant will be spent (200 word limit)
- Contact details
Next steps
After the deadline, applications will be considered by a cross party panel of Councillors. You may be asked to submit further information to support your application. This may include for example a copy of your constitution; further information about the project and details of your organisation’s policies and procedures.
Successful applicants will be notified and receive the funds as soon as possible but this may require being set up on the Council’s financial system. They will also need to sign a grant agreement.