GCBC Community Chest 2026 Ward‑based mini‑grants
What is GCBC Community Chest?
GCBC Community Chest Mini- Grants is a programme that offers small amounts of funding to help neighbours in specific Gloucester wards turn their ideas into activities, events and projects that build connection, kindness and local pride.
For 2026, we have ward‑based funds for:
*Moreland and Westgate has a smaller, time‑limited pot shared across Rounds 1–2 (and may close early once funds are used).
These grants are designed to support resident‑led ideas that grow from the strengths already present in each neighbourhood.
What can the GCBC Community Chest Mini Grants fund?
We can fund small, practical projects that:
Bring neighbours together and reduce isolation
Build local pride and make shared spaces more welcoming
Are led by residents of the ward
Are free or very low‑cost for local people to take part
Examples might include:
Neighbourhood gatherings or shared meals
Activities for children, young people or families
Arts, craft or wellbeing groups
Gardening, greening or tidy‑up projects
Informal support groups or peer‑led activities
We can usually cover things like:
Room/venue hire
Materials and equipment
Refreshments
Publicity and printing
We cannot fund:
Activities that are mainly for private profit
Party political activity or campaigning
Projects that do not clearly benefit residents in the funded wards
Ongoing core costs with no plan for how they will be sustained
Who can apply?
You can apply if:
Your project will take place in one of these wards:
Parry Hall & Barton & Tredworth
Tuffley & Grange
Moreland & Westgate
The main beneficiaries are residents of that ward
You are over 18, or applying with the support of an adult or local group if you are younger
We welcome applications from:
Informal neighbour groups
New or small community groups
Established community and voluntary organisations rooted in the ward
You do not need to be a registered charity to apply.
How much can I apply for?
You can apply for up to £250 for your idea.
Total available in 2026:
- Parry Hall & Barton & Tredworth – £3,500
- Tuffley & Grange – £4,000
- Moreland & Westgate – £901
We may offer a smaller amount than requested so we can support more projects.
In a small number of very exceptional cases, where there is clear benefit to many residents and strong resident leadership, we may invite a slightly higher request. This is not advertised and will be decided case‑by‑case.
When is the deadline?
There are three rounds in 2026:
Round 1
- Applications open: 1 April 2026
- Applications close: 26 June 2026
- Decisions communicated by: 30 June 2026
Round 2
- Applications open: 1 July 2026
- Applications close: 25 September 2026
- Decisions communicated by: 30 September 2026
Round 3
- Applications open: 1 October 2026
- Applications close: 4 December 2026
- Decisions communicated by: 9 December 2026
Funds are limited in each ward and may be fully allocated before the end of the year.
If a ward’s pot is used up, applications for that ward will close early and we will update this page.
How is the Community Chest scored and decided?
A small panel from Gloucester Community Building Collective reviews all eligible applications after each round closes.
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 applications with the highest scores will be awarded.
Will I get feedback?
We will email all applicants with the outcome after each round.
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 reapply for another grant?
If your application is not successful in one round, you may apply again in a later round in 2026.
If your application is successful in 2026, you will not be able to receive another Community Chest grant in the same year, so that we can support as many different residents and groups as possible.
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.
