Comic Relief: Community Cash

Overview

People living in deprived areas, or who face a range of social issues, often get vital support from smaller organisations based within their communities. It's these locally-based groups that truly understand the needs of the people they serve and make a huge difference to their lives. They believe that local people know what is needed in their community and are best placed to make any changes. They therefore want to support community groups rooted in their local communities undertaking work that helps people of all ages feel more included in their community, builds their skills and increases their sense of achievement.

Grants will be used to support work where there is clear evidence of a beneficial impact on people’s lives who are excluded or disadvantaged through low income, rural or social isolation, age, disabilities, race, sexuality or gender. They are looking for a wide range of projects that are able to deliver social outcomes.

Who Can Apply?

They are particularly keen to ensure we reach groups of people who often miss out. As such they accept applications from the voluntary and community sector including:

• constituted voluntary and community groups
• charities
• social enterprises
• co-operatives
• community interest companies

Groups which have been established for less than 12 months, are eligible to apply.

Applicants must not have any current live grants from Comic Relief Local Communities or UK funds.

To be considered for funding you will need to:

• Be working in a disadvantaged or deprived area
• Be a small local group with an income of less than £100,000 run by local people
• Have limited access to other sources of income
• Clearly define the need you are addressing
• Clearly demonstrate the benefit of your activities to disadvantaged people
• Illustrate how you aim to deliver social outcomes
• Provide clear evidence that the services provided are inclusive to all
• Provide clear evidence that the activities provided will target people who would ordinarily struggle to access those opportunities

What will they fund?

Examples of the type of activities they will fund:

• Foodbanks
• Counselling and advice services
• Disability sports clubs/activities
• Training, skill building and volunteering projects
• Community groups and set up costs for new groups
• Support groups

Priorities

Priority will be given to small, locally based groups in areas of disadvantage that have a clear understanding of the needs of their community and are undertaking actions as a means of addressing these needs.

Depending on the quality and volume of applications received priority will be given to:

• Those that are new to Comic Relief and/or Community Foundation funding
• Those in areas of high deprivation
• Those in geographically underfunded areas
• Those with lived experience, where people directly affected by the issues are involved in all levels of the organisation
• Those with innovative approaches, to respond to clearly defined need
• Those demonstrating effective practice, with evidence that the methodology being used will be successful