RFAs: The Cambridge Building Society Community Fund (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 01-Nov-2026

The Cambridge Building Society Community Fund provides grants to non-profit organisations working to address housing and homelessness challenges within 15 miles of The Cambridge’s branch and store network. Funding can support projects that improve access to homes, help vulnerable people with housing needs, tackle homelessness, and introduce sustainability measures that create long-term benefits for individuals and families. What Is the Cambridge Building Society Community Fund? The Cambridge Building Society Community Fund supports community organisations addressing housing, homelessness, and related challenges in eligible communities. The fund is designed to help organisations deliver practical solutions that make it easier for people to access, maintain, or improve their homes. Priority is given to projects that can demonstrate a clear and direct connection to homes and housing. Supported work may include initiatives that: Improve access to suitable housing. Help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Projects should have a clear connection to homes and housing.

Potential areas of support include:

Housing Advice and Support Projects can help individuals understand and navigate housing-related challenges. This could include support that helps people: Understand their housing options. Access appropriate accommodation. Overcome barriers to securing a home. Maintain stable housing. Access relevant housing services. Homelessness Prevention Projects addressing homelessness or helping people at risk of homelessness may be relevant where they demonstrate a direct housing benefit. The project should explain how the intervention will help people move towards or maintain stable accommodation. Supporting Vulnerable People The fund can support projects helping vulnerable individuals and families with their housing needs. Applicants should identify the specific housing challenge faced by the target group and explain how the proposed project will address it. Access to Homes Projects can focus on helping people access suitable accommodation. This could involve practical support for people who face difficulties entering or navigating the housing system. Housing Sustainability The fund also recognises sustainability initiatives that can provide longer-term benefits for people in their homes. Projects should clearly explain how sustainability measures contribute to household or community wellbeing. How Much Funding Is Available? Several types of funding are available. Standard Grants

Organisations can apply for between:

£2,500 and £10,000 per funding round. The stated average award is £19,039 per round, although this figure is higher than the standard individual grant maximum described for the round, so applicants should rely on the specific funding limits applicable to the current application window when preparing their request. Multi-Year Grants A small number of multi-year grants are available.

These can provide:

Up to £10,000 per year. For up to three years. Multi-year funding can be particularly relevant for projects requiring sustained support rather than a single short-term intervention. Capital Donations

One-off capital donations of up to:

£20,000 are available for larger capital projects. Applicants seeking capital support should clearly demonstrate the purpose of the expenditure and how it will produce lasting housing-related benefits. Who Is Eligible to Apply? The fund is open to non-profit organisations operating within the eligible geographical area. Applicants should ensure that their organisation meets the fund’s current legal, organisational, and geographic requirements before applying. Where Must Projects Take Place? The project must be located within 15 miles of The Cambridge’s branch and store network. This geographic requirement is important. An organisation may be eligible in principle but still be unable to receive funding if its proposed project does not benefit communities within the required area. Applicants should therefore verify that the project location and beneficiaries fall within the fund’s eligible geographic area. What Makes a Project Eligible? The most important consideration is a clear connection to homes and housing. Eligible projects should demonstrate how they will address a housing-related need.

Key requirement: Projects must have a clear connection to homes and housing

Main objective: Deliver tangible and lasting benefits for local communities

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Cambridge Building Society Community Fund? The Cambridge Building Society Community Fund supports non-profit organisations delivering projects that address housing, homelessness, housing access, and related community needs in eligible areas. How much funding can organisations receive? Standard grants range from £2,500 to £10,000. The fund also offers a small number of multi-year grants of up to £10,000 per year for three years and one-off capital donations of up to £20,000. Who can apply for the fund? Eligible applicants include non-profit organisations such as charities, community interest companies, and other community-focused groups operating in the eligible geographic area. Where must projects take place? Projects must benefit communities located within 15 miles of The Cambridge’s branch and store network. Applicants should confirm the geographic eligibility of their project before applying. What types of projects does the fund support? Projects should have a direct connection to housing. Examples include housing advice, homelessness support, helping vulnerable people access homes, housing-related assistance, and sustainability measures that provide long-term benefits to households. Can organisations apply for multi-year funding? Yes. A small number of multi-year grants can provide up to £10,000 per annum for up to three years. Applicants should demonstrate why their project requires sustained support and provide a clear long-term plan. Can the fund su