CFAs: Including Communities Grant Programme (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 28-Sep-2026

The Including Communities Programme 2026 is inviting not-for-profit community organisations in Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton, and the Isle of Wight to apply for one-year grants supporting projects that tackle poverty and inequality and help create stronger, safer, healthier, and more connected communities. The programme, launched by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation, supports local organisations delivering practical community-based activities that reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, strengthen skills and employability, and help address crime and safety challenges. For 2026, grants of £1,000 to £10,000 are available for eligible organisations. Funding can support both new and existing activities, provided they regularly bring people together and demonstrate clear benefits for people experiencing poverty or inequality.

About the Including Communities Programme

The Including Communities Programme is designed to support community organisations working directly with people and communities experiencing disadvantage. The programme aims to help create flourishing and connected communities by investing in activities that: - Reduce poverty and inequality - Improve physical and mental wellbeing - Reduce isolation and strengthen social connections - Build safer communities - Improve confidence and employability - Develop practical skills - Support vulnerable and disadvantaged people - Create opportunities for people to participate and connect with others The programme has a strong history of supporting local initiatives that bring people together and create positive, lasting changes within communities. Including Communities Programme 2026 Funding Successful applicants can receive grants ranging from £1,000 to £10,000 for projects lasting 12 months. The total funding available for the 2026 programme is expected to be approximately £140,000.

The anticipated allocation is:

- £80,000–£100,000 for Crime & Safety and Employability & Skills projects - £40,000–£60,000 for Health and Wellbeing projects

An important funding restriction applies: the grant requested cannot exceed one-third of the applicant organisation’s usual annual income.

Organisations must also have an annual income of less than £1 million. 2026 Impact Themes The Including Communities Programme is accepting applications under three main impact themes. Health and Wellbeing Projects should help improve physical or mental wellbeing while strengthening relationships and community connections.

Examples may include:

- Regular wellbeing activities - Community group activities - Peer support - Activities for isolated people - Physical activity programmes - Mental wellbeing initiatives - Projects supporting vulnerable populations - Activities that reduce social isolation The emphasis is on regular activities that bring people together rather than isolated or one-off events. Crime & Safety This theme supports community-based initiatives that help prevent crime, reduce its impact, or make communities safer.

Potential activities may include:

- Youth activities - Mentoring - Community-based crime prevention - Projects supporting vulnerable young people - Initiatives that reduce the risk or impact of crime - Activities that strengthen neighbourhood connections and safety Projects should demonstrate how the proposed work will contribute to safer and more connected communities. Employability & Skills This theme supports disadvantaged people to build confidence, develop skills, and improve their employment prospects.

Examples include:

- Employability skills programmes - Confidence-building activities - Mentoring - Skills development - Training and practical learning - Peer support - Activities helping disadvantaged people prepare for employment Applicants should explain how participants will benefit from the development of confidence, skills, knowledge, or employment-related capabilities. Who Is Eligible to Apply? The Including Communities Programme is open to not-for-profit community organisations that meet the programme’s geographic and financial requirements.

Applicants must:

- Be based in Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton, or the Isle of Wight - Deliver their proposed work within one or more of these areas - Have an annual income of less than £1 million - Be not-for-profit community organisations - Work with people experiencing poverty or inequality - Deliver activities that regularly bring people together - Demonstrate clear and meaningful benefits for participants Both new and existing community activities can be considered. Geographical Eligibility and Priority Communities Projects must be based in and delivered within: - Hampshire - Portsmouth - Southampton - Isle of Wight All areas within these geographies are eligible. However, priority will be given to projects supporting deprived or disadvantaged communities outside Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, and the New Forest. Applicants should therefore clearly explain the level of disadvantage experienced by the people and communities they intend to support and why their project is particularly important in that location. What Types of Projects Can Be Supported? The programme is intended for practical community activities that create ongoing opportunities for people to participate, connect, learn, and improve their lives. Examples of potentially eligible activities include: - Youth programmes - Mentoring schemes - Peer-support initiatives - Confidence-building programmes - Employability projects - Skills development activities - Wellbeing groups - Physical activity programmes - Community connection activities - Activities for isolated people - Projects supporting vulnerable populations - Community-based crime prevention activities Projects should not simply provide a one-off experience. A key requirement is that activities regularly bring people together. What Costs Can the Grant Cover? Funding can contribute towards reasonable costs associated with deliverin