Call for Applications: Surviving Winter Funding Round (UK)

Berkshire Community Foundation offers a “Surviving Winter Funding Round” to support charitable organisations with winter energy costs. The round is open for applications from 29 September until 29 October (deadline details provided on the application submission requirement). Grants are up to £2,500, and funding can only be used for energy costs to help organisations stay open and serve their communities through the colder months. Berkshire Community Foundation states that rising costs are putting pressure on charities, and this funding round is intended to help organisations manage additional energy expenses during the colder months. The round supports organisations to remain open and continue delivering vital services in winter. Berkshire Community Foundation eligibility requirements include both applicant type and exclusions.

Eligible applicants must be:

Income requirement:

The source also states:

Not eligible to apply if:

This round is restricted to one type of cost: Priority will be given to organisations supporting vulnerable or high-risk community members, including: Winter energy costs can force charities to reduce services or close when budgets are under strain. This round is designed specifically to help eligible Berkshire-based organisations fund energy bills so they can continue operating and supporting priority groups through the colder months. Fill in the eligibility quiz at the bottom of the page. If you meet the criteria of the fund, you will receive a link to the application form. Your application form must be completed online and submitted by 29 October.

The source specifies including:

If you have not been funded by BCF before, the source strongly suggests also submitting a letter of recommendation validating your work or performance (for example, from a relevant organisation, local authority, beneficiary, local centre for voluntary service, a service, or a fellow charity). Not specified in the source as mandatory; presented as strongly suggested. Applicants will be informed of decisions in December.

Important notes from the source:

Official opportunity page: Berkshire Community Foundation — Surviving Winter Funding Round

What is the Surviving Winter Funding Round for? It provides support to help organisations cover energy costs (energy bills) only so they can stay open and continue serving their communities through winter. How much funding can an organisation receive? Grants are up to £2,500, and applications are considered subject to funding availability. What costs are eligible? Only energy costs are eligible. The source states you are not eligible to apply for costs other than energy bills. Is retrospective funding allowed? No. The source states you are not eligible if you are seeking retrospective funding for costs already incurred before the funding period. Which organisations can apply? Eligible applicants include registered charities, constituted community groups, and other charitable organisations (including social enterprise/CIC) that are actively working in Berkshire and have annual income under £250,000. What is the application deadline? The source states applications must be submitted by 29 October. The time and time zone are not specified in the source. Will I be informed when decisions are made? Yes. The source states applicants will be informed of the Grants Committee’s decisions in December. Review the full eligibility requirements and application instructions on Berkshire Community Foundation’s official Surviving Winter Funding Round page, then complete the eligibility quiz starting 29 September. If invited to apply, prepare your online application and supporting governing documents, and submit everything by 29 October as required by the guidance.