Apply Now: Bentley Advancing Life Chances Grants (UK)

Deadline: 18-Sep-2026

The Bentley Advancing Life Chances Programme provides grants of up to £20,000 to charitable organisations delivering projects that improve quality of life and expand opportunities for vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Crewe, England. Supported projects can focus on access to services, employment and education, life skills, health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and community development, with funding available for projects lasting up to 12 months. What Is the Bentley Advancing Life Chances Programme? The Bentley Advancing Life Chances Programme, supported by the Cheshire Community Foundation, funds charitable organisations delivering projects that create positive social change in Crewe. The programme focuses on people and communities facing barriers to opportunity. It aims to improve residents’ quality of life while strengthening individual confidence, skills, wellbeing, and community connections. Funding is particularly relevant to organisations working with vulnerable, disadvantaged, and under-represented groups. What Are the Programme’s Main Priorities? Projects should align with one or more of the programme’s four key pillars. Projects can address physical and mental wellbeing, particularly where health challenges affect people’s ability to participate fully in community life. Relevant initiatives may include activities that: Improve physical health. Support mental wellbeing. Reduce isolation. Strengthen social connections. Improve overall quality of life. Building a Better Future The programme also supports initiatives that contribute to stronger and more sustainable communities. Activities that create a stronger future for Crewe residents. How Much Funding Is Available? Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to £20,000. Projects can run for a maximum of 12 months. The requested funding should be proportionate to the project’s activities and clearly connected to the expected outcomes for the Crewe community. Who Is Eligible? The programme is primarily intended for charitable organisations delivering projects in Crewe.

Eligible applicants include:

Charitable organisations based in Crewe. Organisations based outside Crewe that can demonstrate they are best placed to deliver an impactful project in the town. Applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of the needs of the local community and explain how their project will create measurable benefits for Crewe residents. Who Should the Projects Benefit?

Priority is given to projects supporting:

Vulnerable people. Disadvantaged communities. Under-represented groups. People facing barriers to education or employment. Individuals experiencing poor health or wellbeing. Residents who may be socially isolated or have limited access to services. Projects should demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed activities and improved outcomes for local residents. What Makes a Strong Project? A strong proposal should clearly demonstrate local need, practical intervention, and measurable impact.

Applicants should explain:

What problem exists in the Crewe community. Who will benefit from the project. Why the organisation is well placed to respond. What activities will be delivered. How the activities address one or more programme pillars. What changes are expected within 12 months. How progress and outcomes will be measured. The strongest applications are likely to show how relatively targeted support can produce meaningful improvements in people’s lives. Previous Grant Recipients Previous recipients may be eligible to apply for a continuation grant. However, organisations seeking continued support should demonstrate: Strong progress from previous funding. Evidence of ongoing impact. Continued community need. A clear rationale for further funding. An organisation that has received funding for three consecutive years cannot receive funding for a fourth consecutive year. How to Apply Applicants should prepare their proposal around the programme’s priorities and demonstrate clear benefits for Crewe.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Check that your organisation qualifies as a charitable organisation and that the proposed project will be delivered in Crewe. Organisations based outside Crewe should provide a clear explanation of why they are particularly well placed to deliver the project.

Step 2: Identify the Community Need

Clearly describe the issue affecting local residents. Use relevant local knowledge, evidence, community feedback, or existing organisational experience to demonstrate why the project is needed.

Step 3: Select the Relevant Programme Pillar

Explain which of the four priorities your project addresses: Access to services, employment, or education. Life skills and confidence. Physical and mental health and quality of life. Environmental sustainability and community spirit. A project may address more than one pillar where appropriate.

Step 4: Develop the Project Plan

Set out the main activities, target beneficiaries, implementation period, and expected results. Projects must be designed to operate within the maximum 12-month funding period.

Step 5: Demonstrate Impact

Explain how you will measure whether the project has improved outcomes for participants and the wider Crewe community.

Useful measures may include:

Number of people supported. Skills gained. Employment or education outcomes. Changes in confidence. Improvements in wellbeing. Increased participation. Environmental or community improvements.

Step 6: Prepare the Funding Request

Applicants can request up to £20,000. The budget should be realistic and directly connected to project delivery and expected outcomes. Common Mistakes to Avoid Applicants should make sure the proposal remains focused on Crewe and the programme’s priorities.

Weak local connection: Explain specifically how Crewe residents will benefit.

Unclear target group: Identify the vulnerable or under-represented people the project will support.

No connection to the