National Grid – Community Matters Fund
National Grid is calling on charities, councils and community groups small and large across its region to apply for grants of up to £10,000 to support people who need extra help this winter. In addition to providing grants, a bank of energy saving advice and resources will be available for groups to adapt and use within their communities, offering an extra layer of support.
The fund is open to all non-profit and statutory organisations, big and small, based in these locations who are supporting households experiencing fuel poverty. You can check if your organisation is in an eligible region by entering your postcode here (new tab).
The programme is now live and accepting applications until midnight on Monday, October 31st 2022. All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by Tuesday, 15th November 2022.
All projects must be completed and the funding must be spent by 31st March 2023.
Further information about the process and the online application form can be found on the National Grid website.
Local libraries announce movie nights throughout November
Libraries across Devon are providing warm spaces this winter, to help provide support for people struggling with rising costs of energy and food.
Some are also providing community fridges with free food available, and some have coat rails for people to donate winter coats for others to use.
Six libraries - in Barnstaple, Crediton, Cullompton, Newton Abbot, Seaton, and in St Thomas, Exeter will be screening films for audiences of all ages throughout November.
"Films at the Library” is a great idea to encourage people in, to enjoy a good few hours of warm company while watching a good film.
Tickets cost £3 and are on sale online through Eventbrite, or in person at each participating library. The film schedule is available at the Libraries Unlimited website
The Neighbourhood Watch Community Grants Fund
Grants between £100 and £500 are available to registered Neighbourhood Watch Network members across England and Wales for new and innovative initiatives that start-up, improve or expand community work, particularly where it relates to crime prevention and community safety
The Neighbourhood Watch Network aims to promote:
- Good citizenship, community safety and greater public participation in the prevention and detection of crime, and
- Public support for the work of the police service and other partners in the protection of people and property from, and the prevention of, crime
The scheme’s funding priorities are:
- Building or enhancing local networks and relationships
- Developing/improving community cohesion (perhaps with an emphasis on supporting others through the cost-of-living crisis they are experiencing).
Enhancing the role of volunteers - Improving the community environment and wellbeing
- Proactively engaging/involving people under-represented in the National Watch Network (for example, BAME, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, or young people’s voices (where relevant safeguarding procedures are in place), and
- Supporting crime prevention activities.
All applications must address at least one of these areas and reference how the activity is part of a clear, forward-thinking plan for how your group makes/will make a difference in your community.
Further information, guidance and application details are available on the Neighbourhood Watch Network website.
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 30th November 2022.
Batsworthy Cross Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund
Renewable energy and land or property development firms often make charitable investments in the communities where they work through Community Benefit Funds.
Batsworthy Cross Wind Farm Community Fund was established in 2016. Its area of benefit straddles parts of Mid and North Devon and looks to provide a wide range of grants to benefit residents of neighbouring parishes.
Grants from this fund are available to community organisations who work within one or more of the funding themes:
- Increasing access to activities or services for the community
- Encouraging community owned energy projects
- Encouraging skills and employment and improve rural business opportunities and social enterprise
- Offering sport, recreation and improved health and wellbeing
- Encouraging safety and resilience
- Providing, maintaining or improving community buildings
- Providing community and public transport improvements
The fund is administered by the Devon Community Foundation (DCF). For more information and to submit an application please do so via the DCF website: Devon Community Foundation – Batsworthy Fund
Asda Costing of Living Grant
Costing of Living is an Asda Foundation grant for local groups with the aim of supporting increasing running costs these groups will face between September 2022 and February 2023.
Asda realise the rising cost of living is having a big impact on communities and this impact is going to increase. This grant is open to groups helping to address this issue.
The application window is 19th September 2022 to February 2023, although it may close earlier if the budget cap is reached.
The guidance is available on their website: The Asda Foundation and if your group and project meet the criteria, talk to your local Asda Community Champion about applying.