These small grants are used by the communities team to support communities to develop and thrive.
Please note: These grants are not part of an open funding programme. They are available exclusively to groups that are actively engaged with, and supported by, the Communities Service.
Community Reach Fund
The Community Reach Fund (CRF) provides seed funding (up to £1,000) for community led projects to respond to local need.
We support projects that can demonstrate:
- Community residents developing their own initiatives to meet a local need
- being inclusive and having a shared benefit to their communities
- motivating and empowering other residents to take part
- developing opportunities for communities to contribute towards our seven ambitions
We use the CRF to support new and developing community groups. It supports them to explore their governance and safeguarding in a professional and meaningful way. It also helps them to secure sufficient funding to get started. By building skills, confidence, support network and momentum, we hope that groups and projects will become sustainable.
Alongside the CRF, we offer a Community Enabler grant. It has a similar process and focuses on the same criteria. It provides grants of up to £500 that support communities to respond quickly to a community issue and enables a positive outcome.
Sanctuary Grants
The Sanctuary Grants Programme supports community projects in Cambridgeshire that are accessible to people with lived experience of seeking sanctuary.
The funding is available to groups and organisations who are:
- working directly with people seeking sanctuary
- doing things to improve community cohesion and integration
- improving cultural awareness of people seeking sanctuary
Community Food Initiatives Small Grants Programme
Small grants under £1,000 are available to support community food projects across Cambridgeshire—like social supermarkets or community pantries. Funded through the 2025/26 Household Support Fund, these grants aim to:
- Improve access to affordable, healthy food (especially in rural areas)
- Reduce food waste
- Promote dignity and reduce stigma around food support
- Support health and well-being
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Small Grants
Small grants are available for the Armed Forces Community through the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Armed Forces Covenant Partnership. These grants are specifically for groups or initiatives that support positive outcomes for the Armed Forces Community.
For further information communities@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
