Community organisations working tirelessly to combat disadvantage and inequality in Buckinghamshire now have an opportunity to secure financial support through the Rothschild Foundation’s Grassroots Grants Fund. This funding initiative is designed to empower local organisations that are making a real difference in their communities, particularly in areas such as homelessness, financial hardship, mental health, and disability support.
The Fund provides grants of up to £5,000 for one year and is specifically aimed at supporting incorporated grassroots organisations that may be small in scale but are delivering impactful community services. Whether funding is needed for operational activities, projects, or capital expenses, the programme seeks to strengthen organisations addressing urgent social challenges across Buckinghamshire.
About the Rothschild Foundation Grassroots Grants Fund
The Rothschild Foundation Grassroots Grants Fund exists to support local organisations working directly with disadvantaged communities. The programme focuses on grassroots organisations that understand local needs and provide practical solutions to improve lives.
The Foundation recognises that many smaller organisations often struggle to secure sustainable funding despite delivering essential community services. Through this grant programme, the Foundation aims to bridge that gap by helping organisations expand or sustain their work.
Funding is awarded to organisations that can clearly demonstrate both the need for their services and the impact their projects will have on beneficiaries.
Areas of Support
The grant programme prioritises organisations working in the following areas:
1. Homelessness
Funding is available for projects supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. This may include emergency support services, accommodation assistance, outreach programmes, or rehabilitation initiatives.
2. Financial Hardship
Organisations helping people facing economic challenges may apply for funding. Eligible initiatives could include food support programmes, debt advice services, employment assistance, or financial education projects.
3. Physical and Learning Disabilities
Community groups supporting individuals with physical disabilities or learning difficulties are encouraged to apply. Funding may support accessibility initiatives, specialised programmes, inclusive community activities, or support services.
4. Mental Health and Wellbeing
Mental health services remain a major priority area for the Foundation. Grants may support counselling programmes, wellbeing workshops, peer support initiatives, community mental health projects, or other interventions promoting emotional wellbeing.
Funding Available
Successful applicants can receive:
- Grants of up to £5,000
- Funding for one year
- Support for:
- Project costs
- Core operational costs
- Capital costs
The Foundation also notes that where funding is requested solely for a capital project, applicants should demonstrate that additional funding sources are contributing toward the total project cost.
Reporting Requirements
Organisations awarded funding will be expected to submit a report at the end of the grant period. This report allows the Foundation to understand:
- How the project was implemented
- The impact achieved
- Lessons learned
- Community outcomes generated through the funding
This reporting process helps maintain transparency and ensures that grants continue supporting meaningful community change.
What the Fund Will Not Support
Certain activities and expenses are not eligible for funding under the programme. Applications involving the following will not be considered:
- Grants benefiting individuals directly
- Overseas travel
- Religious or political promotion
- Animal welfare activities
- Campaigning work
- Loan repayments
- Activities already completed before funding approval
- Statutory responsibilities of public bodies
Applicants should carefully review these exclusions before preparing their applications.
Who Can Apply?
The programme welcomes applications from a broad range of incorporated non-profit organisations, including:
- Registered charities
- Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
- Community Interest Companies (CICs limited by guarantee)
- Incorporated community groups
- Societies
- Sports clubs
Importantly, newly registered organisations that do not yet have annual accounts may still apply, making the programme accessible to emerging grassroots initiatives.
To qualify, organisations must:
- Have an annual income below £1 million
- Be based in Buckinghamshire (excluding Milton Keynes), OR
- Demonstrate that at least 60% of beneficiaries are based in Buckinghamshire
Organisations That Are Not Eligible
The following organisations are not eligible to apply:
- Organisations already holding a Rothschild Foundation grant
- Uniformed groups
- Statutory organisations, including Town and Parish Councils
- Organisations operating primarily in Milton Keynes
- Organisations working mainly in neighbouring counties
- For-profit businesses and commercial enterprises
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the Rothschild Foundation’s funding portal. Applicants are encouraged to review the guidance provided before starting their application, especially first-time users of the system.
Applications can be submitted at any time during the year. However, submissions are reviewed four times annually according to the Foundation’s funding schedule.
Application Deadlines and Decision Periods
| Application Deadline | Applications Considered In |
|---|---|
| 22nd May | June |
| 27th August | October |
| 18th November | December |
| 27th January | March |
Applicants will typically be informed of the funding decision within six weeks after each application deadline.
Why This Grant Matters
Grassroots organisations are often at the forefront of addressing social inequality and supporting vulnerable communities. However, limited funding can restrict their ability to maintain or expand critical services.
The Rothschild Foundation Grassroots Grants Fund provides an important opportunity for local organisations to:
- Sustain vital community programmes
- Expand services to reach more beneficiaries
- Improve operational capacity
- Strengthen long-term impact
- Address urgent local social challenges
For many small organisations, a grant of up to £5,000 can make a significant difference in delivering meaningful community support.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve the chances of success, applicants should:
- Clearly explain the problem their organisation is addressing.
- Provide evidence of community need and demand.
- Demonstrate measurable impact and expected outcomes.
- Explain how the funding will be used in detail.
- Show how the organisation is financially sustainable.
- Ensure eligibility criteria are fully met before submission.
Strong applications typically include real examples, data, testimonials, or evidence demonstrating the importance of the proposed work.
Contact Information
Applicants who need support or clarification regarding the programme may contact the funding team directly:
- Email: grants@heartofbucks.org
- Telephone: 01296 330134
Interested organisations are encouraged to begin preparing their applications early to ensure all required information is completed before the next funding deadline.
For more information about this opportunity click here.
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