Applications open for Capital Grants Programme (UK)

Deadline: 29-Nov-26

The Capital Grants Programme supports eligible charities and community organisations undertaking capital projects involving buildings, physical spaces, equipment, technology, and accessibility improvements. The programme is designed to strengthen the infrastructure and capacity of local charities and not-for-profit organisations serving communities across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, Purbeck, or East Dorset. Funding can support the purchase, refurbishment, or repair of buildings and physical spaces, as well as investment in physical assets, IT equipment, technology, and accessibility improvements. Projects should form part of the organisation’s wider strategy and contribute to its long-term capacity.

About the Capital Grants Programme

The Capital Grants Programme provides funding for significant capital projects that help local organisations improve the facilities, equipment, and infrastructure they use to serve their communities.

Supported projects may involve:

- Purchasing buildings or physical spaces. - Refurbishing existing buildings. - Repairing buildings and physical spaces. - Purchasing physical assets and equipment. - Investing in IT assets and technology. - Making accessibility improvements. - Improving organisational infrastructure and capacity. The programme focuses on capital expenditure only. How Much Funding Is Available? Applicants must request a minimum grant of £10,000. Organisations are also required to provide at least 25% match funding toward the total project cost. As a result, the total project cost must be at least £13,333 for an organisation requesting the minimum £10,000 grant. Applicants must secure the required match funding before grant funds can be drawn down. What Projects Are Supported? The programme supports capital projects involving buildings, physical spaces, equipment, technology, and accessibility.

Eligible capital activities may include:

- Purchase of buildings or physical premises. - Refurbishment of existing buildings. - Repairs to buildings and physical spaces. - Purchase of equipment and other physical assets. - Investment in IT equipment and technology. - Accessibility improvements. - Other significant capital expenditure that strengthens an organisation’s infrastructure. Projects should be connected to the organisation’s broader organisational strategy. Geographic Area of Benefit Projects must benefit communities in one or more of the following areas: - Bournemouth. - Christchurch. - Poole. - Purbeck. - East Dorset. Applicants must either have a base within the specified area or provide services to communities in the area of benefit. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to a range of charities, community organisations, and other eligible not-for-profit organisations.

Eligible applicants include:

- Registered charities. - Constituted community or voluntary organisations. - Faith organisations supporting wider community activities. - State schools for non-statutory projects. - Housing associations. - Social enterprises or Community Interest Companies (CICs) limited by guarantee with clear charitable or social objectives. All organisations must meet the programme’s governance, financial, and geographic requirements. Organisational Eligibility Requirements Applicants must satisfy several organisational requirements to be eligible.

Organisations must:

- Have a base or deliver services within the specified area of benefit. - Have a board or committee containing at least three unrelated members. - Hold a valid organisational bank account. - Have two unrelated bank account signatories. - Provide at least one year of signed accounts. - Secure the required match funding before grant funds can be drawn down. These requirements are intended to ensure that funded organisations have appropriate governance and financial arrangements in place. Match Funding Requirement Applicants must contribute at least 25% match funding toward the project. For a minimum grant request of £10,000, the overall project must therefore have a value of at least £13,333. The required match funding must be secured before the grant can be drawn down. Applicants should ensure that their funding arrangements are confirmed and clearly demonstrated as part of their project planning. Capital Expenditure Only The Capital Grants Programme is intended specifically for capital expenditure. This means funding should be used for eligible capital projects involving buildings, physical spaces, equipment, technology, and accessibility improvements rather than general organisational running costs. Applicants should clearly explain how the requested funding will contribute to the proposed capital project. Accessibility Improvements Accessibility improvements are among the areas supported by the programme. Organisations can use capital funding to improve the accessibility of their buildings or physical spaces and make their facilities more suitable for the communities they serve. Such projects should demonstrate a clear connection to the organisation’s services and wider organisational strategy. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants should clearly explain the capital need and how the proposed project will strengthen their organisation’s ability to serve local communities.

A strong application should demonstrate:

- The organisation’s purpose and community role. - The need for the proposed capital investment. - The project activities and expected improvements. - How the project fits within the organisation’s broader strategy. - The total project cost. - The amount of grant funding requested. - The source of the required match funding. - How the project will benefit communities in the eligible area. Applicants should also ensure that their governance and financial documentation meets the programme requirements. Key Facts About the Capital Grants Programme

- Programme: Capital Grants Programme

- Minimum grant: £10,000

- Match funding: At least 25%

- Minimum total project