What we want to fund
We want to fund organisations that are helping to build community power.
What we mean by community power
Community power is when local people influence and make positive changes to the:
places they live
services they use
decisions that affect their lives
Building community power means shifting towards equitable sharing of power between:
local people
organisations
institutions
About the organisations we want to fund
You must already:
have a proven track record of building community power
have experience of convening partners and collaborating across sectors
work at scale across a range of issues - rather than focusing on a single issue or population group
be doing impactful work across a wide local area - such as a town, city, district or borough
be accountable to local people
work with communities that face the greatest barriers
More detail on what we want to fund
Proven track record of building community power
Building power in communities means helping local people develop the skills, confidence and resources they need to:
work together
influence decisions
challenge unfair systems
It means shifting towards equitable sharing of power between:
local people
organisations
institutions
For example, this work could include:
developing local leadership
shaping the design and delivery of local services
having more say in local investment decisions
increasing community control over locally important buildings and spaces
Experienced in convening partners and collaborating across sectors
You must be recognised as a trusted organisation that can bring together:
local people
community organisations
statutory organisations - like local councils and trusts
institutions - like public organisations
You must be experienced in:
creating alliances
bringing people together
building trust across social, cultural, and political differences so diverse groups can work towards common goals
Working at scale across a range of issues
You must build community power across the whole community. Rather than focusing on a single issue or population group.
For example, we would not fund an organisation that is solely focused on supporting young people.
Doing impactful work across a wide local area
Such as a town, city, district or borough. Rather than a single neighbourhood, estate, ward or village.
Being accountable to local people
Your organisation must be:
already based in the local area
accountable to local people
shaped by their lived experience
reflect the community, or communities, they serve
This means putting the needs, views and experiences of the community first.
You should not be driven by the priorities of partners or your own organisation.
Working with communities that face the greatest barriers
And have the least influence over decisions that affect them.
We’ll prioritise applications:
from places where there is greatest need
that help communities who are dealing with poverty, disadvantage and discrimination
To help us, we’ll use data from:
Index of Multiple deprivation (IMD)
Community Needs Index (CNI)
Your work can change over time
We understand your work may evolve, especially if we fund you for up to 10 years.
We're comfortable with uncertainty and will be flexible as your plans develop. We want to support you in continuing to respond to your community's needs.
Other things you must do
Share what you learn
We'll ask you to share what you learn about how to build community power. Both across the sector and with other projects we fund.
This may include joint learning sessions, hosting or attending visits.
Tell the story of your project
We want to understand how you will tell the story of your project to inspire others.
Work safely with any adults at risk, children or young people
You need to have a policy in place that explains how they'll be safe. If you get funding you'll need to follow our safeguarding expectations.
The NCVO website has resources and advice on safeguarding.
Consider your impact on the environment
We want to fund work that supports our commitment to environmental sustainability.