Capital projects

Funding for the purchase or construction of large assets – new buildings, extensions and refurbishments, vehicles, AV systems and other expensive equipment.

As with any charitable project, it’s worth considering the funders that will fund a wide variety of projects.

This page is updated annually. Spotted an error? Please let us know.

 

Landfill Operator Funds

Landfill operators have the option to redirect some of their tax liabilities to fund community and environmental projects in the vicinity of a landfill site. The project to be funded must be open to the general public for at least 104 days per year. Registered charities, local authorities and registered sports clubs are eligible to apply but check the specific eligibility criteria for each fund.

These funders will require a Contributing Third Party (CTP) to reimburse the landfill operator of around 11% of the amount awarded. So, for example, a grant of £10,000 will require a third party to make a payment of £1,100 directly to the landfill operator before the £10,000 is released. The CTP cannot directly benefit from the project. Find out more about landfill schemes here.

The following landfill operators fund capital projects in Cambridgeshire:

Mick George Community Fund

Grants of £10,000 to £50,000 (but usually under £35,000) for capital improvement works to public amenity projects, such as community centres and village halls, village greens, public playgrounds, sports fields and facilities, nature reserves, cycle paths and country parks. Projects must be located within 10 miles of Mick George Ltd’s operations, but this includes most of Cambridgeshire – see the map here.

Amey Community Fund

Amey offers grants of £10,000 to £100,000 for projects within 10 miles of any landfill site, so most of Cambridgeshire is covered. Projects must fall into one of four categories: community buildings and rooms, outdoor spaces, play and recreation, and biodiversity. The total project cost must be under £250,000. Grants are only released when evidence of expenditure has been provided, and in no more than two instalments.

Biffa Award

Biffa has four schemes: Rebuilding Biodiversity, Community Buildings, Recreation and Partnerships. The first three offer grants from £10,000 to £75,000 for projects with a total cost under £200,000. Partnership grants go from £250,000 to £750,000. Projects must be within five miles of a significant Biffa operation or 10 miles of an active Biffa Landfill site.

FCC Community Action Fund

Previously known as WREN, FCC has landfill sites in Peterborough, Buckden and Milton, and applications are accepted for projects within 10 miles of these locations. This covers Cambridge, St Neots, Huntingdon, St Ives – see the map for more info. Grants from £2,000 to £100,000 are available for projects costing up to £500,000. Eligible projects include village halls, community centres and community spaces within churches, museums, public play areas, multi use games areas, skate parks, sport and recreation grounds including pavilions and clubhouses with full public access, nature reserves, public gardens, parks, country parks and woodlands.

 

Other Capital Funders

Cambridgeshire County Council – Innovate & Cultivate Fund

Capital costs are eligible in this fund, which offers grants up to £50,000 for Cambridgeshire-based projects that address one or more of the following outcomes:

  • A good quality of life for everyone
  • Thriving places for people to live
  • The best start for Cambridgeshire’s children

Non-profit organisations and public sector bodies (including district, town and parish councils) can apply. Applicants must show that they will reduce pressure on county council services and/or offer direct savings for the council.

East Cambridgeshire – Community Facilities S106 Grant Funding

East Cambridgeshire District Council distributes the Section 106 funding raised from new housing developments via a grant scheme, which is open to non-profit constituted groups with the written support of the local parish council. It is exclusively for capital projects including new or upgraded community buildings, sports and leisure centres, play facilities and public open spaces. Grant amounts depend on available funds and match-funding is encouraged.

ASDA Foundation – Significant Local Community Projects

Capital grants are available to charities and other non-profit organisations that have the direct support and involvement from their local ASDA store. Grants can cover buildings, renovations, vehicles and equipment such as computers and audio systems. There is no maximum award and applications can be submitted at any time.

Sport England – Community Asset Fund

Grants of £1,000 to £150,000 for community organisations, sports clubs, statutory bodies and educational establishments to enhance local community spaces that encourage people to play sport and get active.

The Clothworkers’ Foundation

Grants to cover capital costs (including buildings, equipment and vehicles) for registered charities, CICs and other registered non-profit organisations (including special schools) working in the following areas:

  • alcohol and substance misuse
  • people with disabilities
  • disadvantaged minority communities
  • disadvantaged young people
  • domestic and sexual violence
  • older people
  • homelessness
  • prisoners and ex-offenders
  • visual impairment

There is no stated maximum grant but some match funding is required.

Support Adoption for Pets

Grants of up to £180,000 are available for charities and non-profit organisations in the UK whose main objective is to find homes for pets in the UK and support pet rescues. Eligible expenditure includes vehicles, UPVC pens for foster homes, field shelters and equipment.

The Architectural Heritage Fund

This programme supports projects that will contribute to the transformation of high streets and town centres in England helping them become thriving places, strengthening local communities and encouraging local economies to prosper. There are four funds, including Transformational Project Grants, which offers up to £350,000 towards capital costs to restore redundant or underused, community-owned historic buildings in town centres and bring them back into use.

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

Grants of up to £150,000 for Armed Forces charities to renovate or refurbish community halls used by veterans and their communities.

Arts Council England – Small Capital Grants

Grants of £100,000 to £500,000 for arts and cultural organisations whose capital project outcomes are arts focused and relate to the delivery of arts activity. This fund opens for expressions of interest from 11 April to 3 May 2020.

Foyle Foundation

Grants of £10,000 to £500,000 for UK registered charities to support the performing or visual arts and for projects that facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and learning. Both capital and revenue costs will be considered.

Charles Hayward Foundation

This foundation will consider capital expenditure in all of its grant schemes, which address Social & Criminal Justice (up to £25,000) and Heritage & Conservation (up to £50,000). Registered charities must have an annual income over £350,000 to be eligible.

Hospice UK – Rank Foundation Awards

Grants of up to £20,000 for capital projects in adult hospices in the UK that are members of Hospice UK, that will have a direct impact on older patients.

This page is updated annually. Spotted an error? Please let us know.