Apply now for Open Grants Programme (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 14-Oct-2026

The Cheshire Community Foundation Open Grants Programme supports not-for-profit organisations delivering community projects across Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, and Warrington. Grants range from £1,000 micro grants to £15,000 main grants, depending on the organisation and project, with funding available for staffing, volunteer expenses, venue hire, transport, equipment, materials, and selected core costs. What Is the Cheshire Community Foundation Open Grants Programme? The Open Grants Programme from Cheshire Community Foundation provides flexible funding for community organisations addressing important local needs across Cheshire and Warrington. The programme brings together previous funding streams into a single opportunity with three levels of grants, allowing organisations to apply for an amount that reflects their size, experience, and project requirements. Projects can run for up to 12 months and should demonstrate a clear benefit to people living in the Foundation’s target area. What Are the Grant Amounts? The programme offers three funding levels:

Micro Grants: Up to £1,000.

Small Grants: Up to £2,500.

Main Grants: Up to £15,000 where the grant supports a salary.

Main Grants without salary costs: Up to £10,000.

One-off events can receive funding of up to £500. Capital or building work is eligible only through the Small Grants programme, and applicants must request at least 50% of the total project cost through the grant. Core costs associated with a project through the Main Grants programme. Eligible capital or building work through the Small Grants programme. Applicants should ensure that expenditure is directly connected to the proposed project and its intended community outcomes. How Long Can Projects Last? Projects can run for a maximum of 12 months. The programme is intended to support planned activities rather than projects that have already been completed. One-off events can also be supported, subject to the £500 maximum for event funding. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to not-for-profit organisations working to benefit people in: Cheshire East. Cheshire West and Chester. Warrington. Organisations based outside these areas may also be considered if they can demonstrate that their work directly benefits local residents. However, priority is given to organisations that are locally based and embedded within the communities they serve. The programme particularly values smaller, locally embedded organisations, especially organisations that have not previously received funding from Cheshire Community Foundation. Micro Grants are generally intended for organisations with an annual turnover below £50,000. Main Grants are aimed at more established organisations that can demonstrate a strong track record of delivering relevant projects and achieving community outcomes. What Projects Are Prioritised? Applicants need to demonstrate that their proposed project responds to important community needs in Cheshire and Warrington.

Applications should explain:

What local need the project addresses. Who will benefit. What activities will be delivered. How the project will create positive change. How success will be measured. Why the organisation is well placed to deliver the project. Projects should clearly align with the Foundation’s priorities. What Costs Are Not Fully Covered? The programme has specific restrictions on funding.

The Foundation does not support:

Individuals. Statutory bodies. Hospitals. Projects that have already taken place. Work primarily benefiting animals. Political activity. Religious proselytising. Applicants should also ensure that any capital or building-related request meets the specific requirements of the Small Grants programme. What Is Required From Applicants? Organisations should be able to demonstrate that they have appropriate systems and structures in place to manage grant funding responsibly.

This includes:

Suitable governance. Safeguarding arrangements. Financial controls. A clear project plan. A realistic budget. Evidence of community need. Appropriate methods for measuring outcomes. Applicants should also explain how the proposed project contributes to the Foundation’s priorities. How to Prepare a Strong Application Identify the Community Need Start by clearly explaining the problem or unmet need affecting people in the target community. Use relevant local evidence, community feedback, previous experience, or other information to demonstrate why the project is necessary. Explain the Proposed Solution Describe exactly what the organisation will do during the project. Keep the activities practical and clearly connected to the identified need. Demonstrate Local Impact Explain who will benefit and how many people are expected to benefit where possible. Applicants should demonstrate why the project is particularly relevant to people in Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, or Warrington. Provide a Realistic Budget List the costs required to deliver the project and explain how the requested grant will be used. Make sure the requested amount corresponds with the appropriate grant tier. Explain How Success Will Be Measured Applicants should identify clear outcomes and explain how they will determine whether the project has achieved its objectives. Possible measures may include participation, improved skills, increased access to services, improved wellbeing, or other relevant outcomes depending on the project. Key Facts at a Glance

Funder: Cheshire Community Foundation

Programme: Open Grants Programme

Geographic focus: Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, and Warrington

Applicant type: Not-for-profit organisations

Project duration: Up to 12 months

Micro Grant: Up to £1,000

Small Grant: Up to £2,500

Main Grant with salary: Up to £15,000

Main Grant without salary: Up to £10,000

One-off events: Up to £500

Capital/building work: Small Grants only, with at least 50% of total cost requested

Priority: Smaller, locally embed