Cost of Living Response Grants
Our Cost of Living Response Grants programme supports voluntary groups in Wiltshire and Swindon who are meeting the needs of those most impacted by the increased cost of living.
Grants can be used to:
- Meet people’s physical needs, ie provide food or warmth
- Address other issues related to the increased cost of living eg provide debt or benefits advice, transport
- Help with increased running costs for local voluntary organisations who support people on a low income
Applications for priorities 1 and 2 will be processed promptly and you will receive a decision within a couple of weeks.
Applications for priority 3 will be dealt with second and a decision may take several weeks.
If your organisation is facing immediate closure due to increased costs, please let us know.
What types of organisations can apply?
You can apply for a grant if you are a:
- constituted voluntary or community organisation
- registered charity
- not-for-profit company including community interest companies where the majority of directors receive no payment from the company
You need to be a:
- local or regional organisation only working in Wiltshire or Swindon or in the south/south west of England
- local branch of a national organisation with a local management committee based in Wiltshire or Swindon and your own bank account
Your organisation must have:
- an active voluntary management committee with at least three people who are not:
- related to each other or in a long-term relationship
- living at the same address
Your organisation needs the following financial arrangements and documents:
- a bank account with two signatories that are not related to each other
- less than 12 months running costs in unrestricted reserves. This means in your end of year financial accounts, Unrestricted reserves (not including Designated funds) must be less than your Expenditure
- financial records or accounts
- a recent bank statement
- a constitution
- a financial plan or budget showing this year's expected income, expenditure and reserves.
- a Safeguarding Policy and an Equal Opportunities Policy. Further guidance is available here
If you don't have any of the documents mentioned above please talk to us and we will help.
New organisations who do not have the above in place may be able to apply through another charitable organisation.
How much can we apply for and what can it pay for?
How much can I apply for?
Tell us how much money you need from us now. Please remember that our funds are limited and the need is widespread.
Grants are for up to 12 months’ costs.
Groups who already have a Community Grant can apply.
What are we looking for?
We want to support organisations that are helping people most impacted by the increased cost of living.
We particularly support small local organisations.
What can the grant pay for?
- Any costs related to meeting needs which people have because of the increased cost of living
- Increased running costs for organisations providing services to people on low incomes
- Grants cannot be used to provide money to individuals or families
The people who benefit from the grant must live in Wiltshire or Swindon
What we do not fund:
- money to individuals or families
- activities which duplicate an existing service
- one-off or sponsored events
- the advancement of religion
- medical research and equipment
- animal welfare
- party political activities
Who we don't fund:
- individuals
- schools
- statutory bodies such as city, county or parish councils or health institutions
- charities who operate nationally
Please note we prioritise applications from small voluntary groups. Once you have applied, we will talk to you to make sure we have fully understood what you want funding for. If you are new to fundraising, please complete the form but do not be concerned about "getting it right”.
This programme is now closed