Eric Wright Charitable Trust Small Groups’ Funding 2026/27 in Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde
Supporting Stronger, More Connected Communities
Introduction
This Support Pack has been compiled by Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) on behalf of LACVS who have been appointed by Eric Wright Charitable Trust to deliver a community small grants programme. The programme is aimed at local organisations (with an annual turnover of less than £30,000 – within the VCF sector providing activity to address locality community cohesion, reduce social isolation and make a positive difference to the lives and wellbeing of people of all ages.
Aims
Projects should strongly support specific local needs in the following key areas:
• Increasing opportunities to participate in local community action and activity.
• Keeping people well and feeling part of their community.
• Increasing resilience and improving mental wellbeing, enabling individuals and families to cope well, overcome barriers to achieving their potential and increase their skills.
• Support people who are more vulnerable, such as those with long term conditions, who are frail and/or have complex needs.
• Promoting greater partnership working between the community and services, and other VCF organisations
• Reduce social isolation, with a positive impact on health and wellbeing.
Who can apply to the Grant Programme?
The grants are being made available to community projects in Blackpool, Wyre or Fylde. There is a strong focus for small grassroots groups that are providing effective community cohesion programmes.
How much money can groups apply for?
● There are three tiers to the funding:
o Grassroots grants – up to £250.00: for un-constituted community groups that are working with Community First Blackpool Wyre & Fylde (CFBWF) and the LACVS LOCAL project to help achieve their community engagement activities / events.
o Community grants – up to £500.00: for constituted community groups.
o Longer-term community grants – up to £1000: for constituted community groups who are proposing to deliver a project of 12 weeks or longer.
● Turnover for your organisation should be less than £30,000 – organisations that have a turnover above £30,000 per annum will not be considered.
● There will be no appeals or deferred applications – applications will be either successful or unsuccessful. Unsuccessful applications will receive limited feedback. If unsuccessful you may apply again in further rounds (subject to available funds).
● New groups This funding proactively encourages small groups or new start up groups to pilot their ideas. As long as you are working with CFBWF to develop your group, you will be eligible to apply.
CFBWF will help support groups through the application process if required. All funds awarded must be spent by 30th December 2026.
What can’t be funded?
● Activities that promote political and religious messages.
● Activities that commence or equipment purchased prior to confirmation of grant funding approval.
● There is a maximum of 15% spend on capital equipment. Any capital equipment must be 100% related to the delivery of the project. This grant is for delivery community activities / events / services.
● Contribution to core costs / management costs. This small grant programme is for direct community delivery.
For further advice and guidance in completing an application contact:
Tel: 01253 301004
Submitting your application
You can submit your application via email though you will need to post the signed original of the form to Matt Winder, Community First Blackpool Wyre & Fylde, 95 Abingdon Street, Blackpool, FY1 1PP
Deadlines
There are no deadlines for this funding – awards are made on a first, come, first served basis – when it’s gone, it’s gone.
Procedure for successful applications:
● Written notification of approval is posted.
● Applicant to read and sign the acceptance of the terms and conditions.
● Applicant to return the original signed acceptance to
Matt Winder,
Community First Blackpool Wyre & Fylde,
95 Abingdon Street, Blackpool,
FY1 1PP.
● On receipt of original signed acceptance, the cheque is processed and posted to the applicant.
Unsuccessful applicants can contact Matt Winder for feedback and support