CFAs: Tees Better Future Fund (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 01-Nov-2026

The Tees Better Future Fund is inviting applications from eligible non-profit organisations for projects that improve learning, education, health, and wellbeing, including mental health, for children, young people, and families. Grants of up to £5,000 are available for projects benefiting communities in Cambridgeshire, Essex, and Hertfordshire, provided the organisation operates within 30 miles of a Tees office. What Is the Tees Better Future Fund? The Tees Better Future Fund was established to continue Tees Law’s commitment to supporting local communities. The fund places particular emphasis on lifelong learning, social mobility, health, wellbeing, and stronger connections between people and generations. The fund is managed by the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation and supports non-profit organisations delivering projects that address the needs of children, young people, and families. Funding is focused on practical community projects that help people develop their skills, improve their physical or mental health, access new opportunities, and build stronger connections. Why Does the Tees Better Future Fund Matter? Children, young people, and families can face barriers to education, employment opportunities, physical activity, and good mental health. The Tees Better Future Fund aims to help community organisations address these challenges through targeted local projects.

The fund can support initiatives that:

- Increase access to learning and education. - Improve social mobility. - Help young people develop their talents and skills. - Create opportunities for children and young people to thrive. - Improve physical health. - Improve mental health and emotional wellbeing. - Increase access to sport and exercise. - Bring children, young people, families, and communities together. - Encourage connections between different generations. What Are the Main Priorities? The fund has two broad areas of focus: learning and education and health and wellbeing. Learning and Education Projects should help people access learning opportunities and develop their potential. Priority may be given to projects that: - Improve educational opportunities. - Increase social mobility. - Develop skills and talent. - Help young people overcome barriers to achievement. - Create opportunities for lifelong learning. - Support individuals to reach their potential. - Connect people across generations through learning. The fund is particularly interested in initiatives that provide practical opportunities for children, young people, and families. Health and Wellbeing The fund also supports projects designed to improve physical and mental health.

Relevant projects may include:

- Mental health support. - Physical health initiatives. - Sports programmes. - Exercise and physical activity. - Wellbeing activities. - Community activities that reduce isolation. - Projects that bring people together. - Activities supporting healthy lifestyles among children, young people, and families. Projects should demonstrate how the proposed activities will create positive health or wellbeing outcomes. Who Is Eligible to Apply? Eligible applicants are non-profit organisations that operate within 30 miles of a Tees office. The Tees offices covered by the fund are located in: - Cambridge - Saffron Walden - Chelmsford - Bishop’s Stortford - North Herts The proposed project must benefit communities in Cambridgeshire, Essex, or Hertfordshire. Applicants should confirm that both their organisation’s operating location and proposed beneficiaries meet the fund’s geographic requirements. What Are the Grant Amounts? Organisations can apply for grants of up to £5,000. The fund states that an average of £15,000 is awarded at each panel, meaning multiple organisations may receive grants during a funding round. Applicants should request an amount that is proportionate to the project’s overall cost and clearly supported by the proposed activities and beneficiaries. Does the Fund Require Match Funding? The fund gives priority to projects where Tees is the sole funder or where the amount requested from the Tees Better Future Fund represents at least 50% of the total project cost. However, projects that do not meet this preference may still be considered.

Applicants should clearly explain:

- The total project cost. - The amount requested from the fund. - Any other confirmed or expected sources of funding. - How the requested grant will contribute to project delivery. What Information Must Applicants Provide? Applicants are expected to provide a detailed breakdown of their proposed project.

This should include information about:

- Project activities. - Total project costs. - Amount requested. - Other funding sources, where applicable. - Number of beneficiaries. - Characteristics or needs of the people who will benefit. - Expected outcomes and impact. - How the project addresses the fund’s priorities. Providing specific information about beneficiaries can help demonstrate the scale and relevance of the proposed project. How to Apply for the Tees Better Future Fund Applicants should develop their proposals around a clearly identified community need and demonstrate how the requested funding will create measurable benefits.

Step 1: Check Geographic Eligibility

Confirm that your organisation operates within 30 miles of one of the eligible Tees offices. Also confirm that the project will benefit communities in Cambridgeshire, Essex, or Hertfordshire.

Step 2: Check the Project Focus

Make sure the project directly relates to at least one of the fund’s main priorities: - Learning and education. - Social mobility. - Talent and skills development. - Physical health. - Mental health. - Wellbeing. - Sport and exercise. - Community and intergenerational connection.

Step 3: Define the Community Need

Explain the specific issue the project will address. Describe who is affected, why support is needed, and why your organisation is well placed to deliver the