A limited number of grants for up to £3,000 are available to UK registered charities and voluntary/community groups for revenue projects that aim to improve the quality of life of people in disadvantaged communities.
Each year, the Better Community Business Network earmarks a budget of £36,000 from which it will award up to 12 grants, with a maximum single grant of £3,000 (although higher awards are sometimes made) for initiatives across the UK that aim to improve the quality of life and expectations of people and their communities, especially those who come from disadvantaged or socially deprived backgrounds.
Although this is not an exclusive list, eligible organisations should be working in one or more of the following areas:
- Arts and Culture, including sport activities and seeking funding for libraries.
- Disability, including help lines and social inclusion.
- Education, including schools and extra-curricular clubs.
- Elderly, including befriending and social clubs.
- Environment, including natural disasters and regeneration projects.
- Ex-offenders, including mentoring and rehabilitation.
- Health, including cancer research, healthy eating and hospitals.
- Homelessness and poverty, including Food Banks and shelter, and
- Social inclusion.
To be eligible to apply, organisations must meet the following criteria:
- Able to demonstrate that money awarded will be used for project-specific costs,.
- Be addressing a community issue or supporting a local community initiative.
- Be UK-based, and
- Providing benefits to the local population.
The key dates for applications to Round 1, 2025 are:
- Application deadline: Sunday 16 February 2025.
- Shortlisted applicants notified by Monday 10 March 2025.
- Awards announced: Friday 28 March 2025. Please note that only successful applicants are notified.
A second and final round for 2025 is expected to open in June.
Applicants are required to complete a '60 second' grant eligibility quiz prior to downloading the application form. For eligible applicants, the completed application form should be emailed
Further information, guidelines, and an online application form is available on the Better Community Business Network website.