Many UK communities suffer from economic and social deprivation, worsened by the current economic climate. For this reaosn, Comic Relief has made £4.5 million available nation-wide to fund projects that address these issues.

This is the second phase of the Comic Relief Local Communities Programme and is being delivered by Community Foundations across the UK in cooperation with the Community Foundation Network.

Please note: For the first round (2011) we aim to allocate at least 50% to increasing access to sport and exercise for people who face social exclusion and isolation.

Recently awarded projects

Guidance Notes

Apply
(Unavailable until fund reopens)

£1000 to £10,000
(Please note: A Local Communities grant must amount at least 50% of the total project cost)

• Community Groups and Centres
• Resident Associations
• Social Enterprises/ Community Interest Companies
• Credit Unions

• Increase local services
• Build skills of local people, e.g. employment projects or training
• Increase community cohesion
• Respond to local economic needs, e.g. access to benefits advice, combating fuel poverty
• Increasing access to sport and exercise for people who face social exclusion and isolation

• Priority will be given to small, locally based groups or organisations in areas of disadvantage that have a clear understanding of the needs of their community.

• Grants will not be awarded to:
• Individuals
• Statutory organisations, including schools
• Fund trips abroad
• Fund community transport (bar transport part of a project)
• Fund building costs, including access adaptations to buildings
• Organisations which are already in receipt of a grant directly from Comic Relief.

This fund is now closed to applications
      Closing date: 31st October 2011
      Decisions by: late November 2011

Opening date: 1st March 2012
Closing date: 15th April 2012
Decisions by: end of May 2012