Rowntree’s – Free the Fund Community Grant Programme

This programme has now closed for applications. For more information, please contact freethefund@groundwork.org.uk  

Rowntree’s Free the Fund Community Grant programme will improve adult wellbeing by mobilising community action to create better places, improve prospects and bring about positive change.

Rowntrees Logo

Funding is available to apply for to fund exciting community initiatives, including dance, music, gardening and sports and fitness projects.

Grants of up £10,000 are 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.

Further detail and criteria can be found in the Guidance Notes.

Who can apply?

Grants can be awarded to registered charities, not-for-profit organisations, local authorities and social housing providers.

Applications are 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

What projects are eligible?

Initiatives which focus on improving or creating spaces for outdoor activities or focused on wider communities, improving the lives of local people.

Projects should be targeted towards adult activities and not specifically at children. Types of activities could include:

  • Arts & Crafts
  • Dance
  • Music
  • Gardening
  • Sports and fitness

Some examples of project ideas are below. This is not an exhaustive list and other project ideas are also welcomed.

  • Improving a community garden
  • Running a summer art festival
  • Buying musical instruments for a community brass band
  • 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

The minimum age for beneficiary targets of any successful applicant projects should be 21 years old. The programme also can’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

If you have any questions about the programme or the application process, please contact Groundwork on: freethefund@groundwork.org.uk