Community Chest Micro-Grants Application
What is the Community Chest?
The Community Chest is a small grants scheme run by Gloucester Community Building Collective (GCBC). We offer £250 micro-grants to residents in Gloucester who want to lead their own community projects.
These grants are designed to remove barriers for people with great ideas who may not have:
- A formal organisation or constitution
- Previous fundraising experience
- Access to larger funding schemes
We believe communities already hold the solutions they need. Sometimes they just need a small amount of funding and someone to believe in them.
The Community Chest is a small grants scheme run by Gloucester Community Building Collective (GCBC). We offer £250 micro-grants to residents in Gloucester who want to lead their own community projects.
These grants are designed to remove barriers for people with great ideas who may not have:
- A formal organisation or constitution
- Previous fundraising experience
- Access to larger funding schemes
We believe communities already hold the solutions they need. Sometimes they just need a small amount of funding and someone to believe in them.
What can the Community Chest fund?
Community Chest grants can fund projects that:
✓ Bring neighbours together – social events, gatherings, activities that reduce isolation
✓ Improve shared spaces – community gardens, street clean-ups, mural projects, park improvements
✓ Address local needs – food initiatives, play activities for children, skill-sharing groups
✓ Build skills and confidence – workshops, classes, peer learning groups
✓ Strengthen community relationships – intergenerational activities, cultural celebrations, neighbourhood walks
Examples:
- Setting up a weekly community café or lunch club
- Creating a community garden or greening project
- Organising regular walking or exercise groups
- Running children’s activity sessions
- Hosting community events (street parties, celebrations, markets)
- Setting up skill-sharing workshops (cooking, digital skills, art)
Who can apply?
You can apply if:
✓ You are aged 18 or over
✓ You live in Gloucester
✓ You have an idea for a project that benefits your community
✓ You are willing to work with GCBC’s community builders for support
You do NOT need:
- To be part of an established organisation
- To have a constitution or charity status
- Previous fundraising experience
- To be running your project alone (teams are welcome)
We especially welcome applications from:
- Residents in disadvantaged neighbourhoods (Barton & Tredworth, Linden, Tuffley, Grange, Moreland, Parry Hall, Westgate)
- People from underrepresented communities
- Those facing barriers to accessing other funding
How much can I apply for?
You can apply for up to £250.
The money should cover the direct costs of running your project, such as:
- Materials and supplies (plants for a garden, craft materials, food)
- Equipment rental or hire
- Room hire for meetings or events
- Activity resources (sports equipment, art supplies)
- Refreshments for participants
The grant cannot cover:
- Your own time or wages
- Professional fees or consultancy
- Fundraising costs
- Marketing or promotion (though we can help if your application is granted)
What is the deadline?
Applications close on the 28/02/2026.
Late applications will not be accepted. Please allow time to complete the form thoroughly.
Results will be announced on 14/03/2026
Grants will be presented and support will begin in 16/03/2026
How is the Community Chest scored and decided?
We score applications based on 5 key criteria:
- Community Need (20 points) – Does the project address a real need in your neighbourhood? Who will benefit and why?
- Feasibility (20 points) – Is the idea realistic? Have you thought through how you’ll run it? Is the budget appropriate?
- Impact & Outcomes (20 points) – What change will this create? How many people will it reach? How will you measure success?
- Community Involvement (20 points) – Are residents involved in the planning? Will others be involved in running it? Does it strengthen neighbourhood relationships?
- Sustainability (20 points) – How will the project continue after the grant ends? Have you thought about the future?
Total available: 100 points
How scoring works:
- 18–20 points = Excellent
- 15–17 points = Strong
- 12–14 points = Good
- 8–11 points = Satisfactory
- Below 8 = Does not meet criteria
The two applications with the highest scores will be awarded grants of up to £250 each.
Will I get feedback?
The winning applications will be contacted, and participants will get support and advice on how to set things in motion.
If your application is not successful, depending on the number of the applications received, we may provide feedback explaining the scoring and how your application performed, so you can strengthen it for future funding opportunities.
What happens after I'm awarded a grant?
If your application is successful:
- Planning support – If needed, GCBC community builders will work with you to refine plans and prepare to launch
- Practical support – We’ll provide you advice and support. We’re here to help.
- Monitoring – We’ll check in regularly to see how the project is going
- Reporting – We work together so we can gather and share impact stories and photos (with consent from participants)
We’re not here to tell you how to run your project. We’re here to remove barriers and help you succeed.
What about safeguarding, data protection and consent?
Safeguarding:
If your project involves children or vulnerable adults, you must follow safeguarding best practice. GCBC will provide guidance.
Data Protection (GDPR):
Any personal information collected through your project will be:
- Collected fairly and only what’s necessary
- Stored securely
- Protected from misuse
- Only used for the purpose stated
You will need to have participant consent forms if you’re collecting any personal data.
Photos and stories:
We may ask to share photos or stories from your project for GCBC’s website, social media, and funder reports. Consent is essential. We will provide simple consent forms for participants.
Can I apply for another grant if this one is not successful?
Yes. When other Community Chests / Grants open, which tend to happen regularly, if you’re not successful this round, we strongly encourage you to apply again in the next round.
How do I get support?
GCBC community builders are here to help. You can:
- Contact us for an informal chat about your idea before applying
- Discuss safeguarding or data protection needs
Email: communitychest@gloscommunitybuilding.co.uk
We’re here to make this as accessible and supportive as possible.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Important Documents
Where Do I Start?
Read this before applying:
This application is designed to help us understand your project idea and assess how Community Chest funding could help.
Please answer all questions honestly. There are no “right” answers – we’re interested in your genuine thinking.
Confidentiality: All information you provide will be treated confidentially and used only for assessing this application and supporting your project.
Data Protection: Please read our privacy statement before submitting your application.
