Call for Applications: Thurlton Community Shop Fund (United Kingdom)

The Thurlton Community Shop Fund, offered by the Norfolk Community Foundation (NCF), supports small community-led organisations delivering activities that improve health and wellbeing for residents near Thurlton Community Shop. Grants are up to £2,000, with a total of £9,000 available in this round. The application deadline is Monday 12 October 2026 at 12:00pm. The Thurlton Community Shop Fund was established by Thurlton Community Shop as a Community Interest Company (CIC), using surplus profits to support the local community. NCF’s stated purpose is to fund community activity that improves the health and wellbeing of residents in the area surrounding Thurlton Community Shop. This includes people living within a 3-mile radius of the shop, excluding areas beyond the rivers Chet, Yare, New Cut and Waveney, as described in the fund’s guidance. NCF indicates the funded community activities can be related to, but not limited to: NCF states the fund is open to small: NCF also requires that applicants demonstrate clear and broader community benefit. Before applying, applicants must check that they meet NCF’s general eligibility criteria (Not specified in the source). NCF encourages applicants to review their guidance and resources and to contact the team if unsure. NCF’s FAQ states that applicant groups are expected to have governing structures and policies in place, including a management committee of at least three unconnected individuals (requirements are said to be detailed in NCF guidance and resources pages referenced by the fund page). If applicants are unsure whether they meet these requirements, NCF invites them to contact the team. Funding is intended to support community activity that improves local health and wellbeing. Examples of related activity areas include: NCF also specifies that beneficiaries must primarily be residents within the 3-mile radius of Thurlton Community Shop (with the river exclusions described on the page). The page lists example villages in the eligible area: Thurlton, Norton Subcourse, Haddiscoe, Hales, Maypole Green, Nogdam End, Raveningham, Thorpe next Haddiscoe, and Toft Monks (as provided by the source). This fund is designed for small, local community-led groups that can deliver activities improving health and wellbeing for people living near Thurlton Community Shop. Because the fund has a defined geographic boundary and expects primary beneficiaries within that area, it is particularly relevant for organisations planning local community events, training, social activities, or facility improvements that directly benefit residents nearby.

1. Would our community group be eligible to apply?

NCF asks applicant groups to have key governing structures and policies in place, including a management committee of at least three unconnected individuals. Further requirements are stated as available in NCF’s guidance and resources (Not specified in the source). 2. Our group is very small—what are your expectations for governing structure and policies? NCF says it aims to be proportionate to the group size and the type of activities delivered, while still expecting the governing documents outlined in the eligibility criteria to be provided with the application. 3. If we can’t find all required documents before the deadline, can we apply anyway? Yes. NCF states you can send your application without additional documents if they are not available by the closing date, but you should let NCF know before submitting. 4. If we are not eligible, can another eligible organisation apply with us as a partner? Yes. If you work collaboratively with another local VSCE organisation, faith organisation, or the Parish Council, they may apply in partnership with your informal group, provided it is an established relationship. NCF offers a case-by-case discussion if you are unsure.

5. Where can we go for support if we’re not yet eligible to apply?

NCF recommends contacting Community Action Norfolk (CAN) for support formalising as a community group. For safeguarding policy guidance, it suggests exploring support through Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board (NSAB) and Norfolk Safeguarding Children Partnership (NSCP), and reviewing NCF’s Safeguarding Policy Guidance (Not fully included in the supplied text). If your organisation is a small VSCE group, parish council, or faith organisation with clear community benefit, review NCF’s general eligibility criteria and the fund’s guidance to confirm you meet the stated governance and policy expectations. Then complete the online application form through the NCF opportunity page and submit it by 12:00pm on 12 October 2026 as instructed.