Rowntree’s – Free the Fund Community Grant Programme

This programme is currently closed for applications. For more information, please contact freethefund@groundwork.org.uk  
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Funding was available for four exciting community initiatives in the UK and Ireland with a summer purpose, including arts and crafts activities, gardening or dance, sports and fitness projects.

Grants of up to £10,000 were available for applications, with the grant administration panel reserving the right to offer higher or lower grants, depending on the overall community impact of the project.

A total of four projects were selected.

Get a flavour of last year’s winning projects.

Who could apply?

Grants were awarded to registered charities, not-for-profit organisations, and social housing providers.

Applications were not eligible from:

  • Individuals
  • Community Interest Companies with shares (CIC’s)
  • Community Interest Companies with guarantee that are less than two years old
  • Profit-making organisations
  • Un-constituted organisations
  • Local Authorities
  • Parish/Town Councils

Applications are now closed

What projects were eligible?

Initiatives in the United Kingdom which focus on improving or creating spaces for outdoor activities were eligible, as well as projects focused on wider communities and improving the lives of local people.

Project examples included; improving a community garden or transforming an outdoor space, running a summer art festival, funding to support a wheelchair basketball club, equipment or space improvement for team sports, arts and theatre equipment, or renovations of a space where activities like this can take place. This is not an exhaustive list and other project ideas were also welcomed.

Projects were asked to guarantee completion by the end of August 2025.

Projects were targeted towards adult activities and not specifically at children. The minimum age for beneficiary targets of any successful applicant projects was to be 21 years old.

The programme didn’t fund:

  • Causes related to waste recycling, energy consumption and sustainability
  • Projects relating to schools, playgrounds, or involving children’s toys or activities
  • Initiatives directly relating to healthy eating, or cooking, or education on physical health

For details about the fund please email: freethefund@groundwork.org.uk