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How schools and uniformed groups can involve their community

10 April 2026

Sometimes involving your wider community can be difficult, or it may fall outside your organisation’s usual way of working. In this blog, we look at situations where community involvement can be a challenge, and what that means for your application.

We’ll answer the questions we get asked most often.

What if we do not or cannot work with the wider community?

We recognise that for some organisations, engaging the broader community simply is not appropriate. This is often true for projects dealing with sensitive issues, such as:

  • counselling

  • trauma support

  • work with vulnerable people

However, for most other groups we’re keen to see how you’ll involve the wider community - not just the people involved in your activities. Because of this, projects that only benefit existing users or members are typically less likely to receive funding.

This can create challenges for some types of organisation.

Schools and nurseries

We receive many applications from schools and nurseries, but we’re unlikely to fund projects that only benefit pupils or staff.

This is especially true for requests to improve to outdoor areas or playgrounds. These applications are often unsuccessful, mainly because it’s difficult to show wider community benefit and involvement.

We can still consider funding school grounds improvements, but only where you can show that they:

  • are a priority for your wider community

  • will be available for other people to use

Uniformed groups

We also receive many applications from uniformed groups like Scouts, Guides and Boys’ Brigades units.

Projects that only benefit members are unlikely to be funded, such as:

  • travel costs for outings

  • equipment for camping trips

Do you still fund schools and uniformed groups?

Yes. We know that these organisations are often at the heart of their community and can lead work that benefits a wide range of local people.

For example, we’ve funded a:

  • school running a community arts programme involving local families and groups

  • Scout group making small improvements to their hall, which is also the local village’s main community space

Can we discuss our chances?

If you’re not sure if you’ll get funding, contact us. You can:

We’re always happy to discuss your ideas before you apply - especially if it saves you spending time on an application that’s unlikely to be funded.