Apply for a Grant

Cambridgeshire Community Foundation awards grants to charitable projects undertaken by voluntary/community groups and charities in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

We have been able to bring together a number of funding opportunities to one access point.

From 1 February 2012, grants will only be offered to groups that register on www.localgiving.com, unless there are circumstances that make this not possible - such as no one in your committee having access to the internet.

Organisations wishing to apply for a grant from CCF should note that there are two different routes to follow.  

Route 1 - Direct application

For a limited number of Funds we hold, orgasnisations are able to make a direct application to that Fund.  Funds that allow direct applications are listed below. 

Mars in the Community Mars in the Community
tl_files/ccf/funds/cr200.jpg Comic Relief Local Communities Programme
Children's Fund Children's Fund
Cambridge City Council Area Committee Grants Cambridge City Council Area Committee Grants
AmeyCespa Community Fund AmeyCespa Community Fund


If you wish to apply direct to one of the "Direct Funds", click on the appropriate link and follow the instructions on the fund page. Eligibilty critera and deadlines for receipt of applications are listed on the fund pages.

Route 2

For all other Funds we hold, organisations with an annual income in the region of £30,000 or less are ELIGIBLE to apply for a  grant of up to £1,000 if the project they are seeking supoprt for fits within one of our Core Grant Programmes.

To be considered you should

  1. Read our Core Grant Programmes and make a note of the CCF code relating to the programme and theme into which your organisation/project fits.
  2. If after step 1. you feel that your project might be eligible, fill in our expression of interest form. Expression of interest forms can be submitted at any time, however most of our panels meet on a quarterly basis in April, July, October and January so you need to bear in mind that we may not be able to respond to an immediate need for funding.
  3. When we have received your expression of interest form, we will let you know if your organisation/project fits the criteria of any of the funds we have available, within 2 weeks. If your organisation/project is a good fit with funds available we will send you instructions on how to access our online application form (see explanation of online process). Hardcopy application forms are available by special request, but online applications are preferred. We will advise you of the deadline for submitting your application and when you are likely to hear the outcome.  PLEASE NOTE even if you are invited to make a full application we cannot guarantee you will be offered a grant as demand exceeds supply.
  4. Invited groups must then complete the application form and return it by the deadline given, for online applications this includes parts A and B. If you have any problems completing the application, you can call us for assistance.
  5. A member of the Grants Team will assess your application and will telephone you to discuss the application further.
  6. Your application and our assessment report go forward to the relevant Grant Panel and you will be notified in writing whether your application has been successful or not.
  7. If you are awarded a grant, you will be asked to report back to us on the impact. For grants over £750, recipients will receive a phone call following receipt of their offer letter to discuss how best to measure the outcomes and impact of their project.

Please note: Cambridgeshire Community Foundation CANNOT make RETROSPECTIVE GRANTS. We cannot award funding to cover costs that have been spent or committed before a grant offer has been made.