Community grants in the East Midlands
As of 22 October 2026, GrantMatch lists 61 live grants for community groups in the East Midlands from 45 funders. 17 close in the next 30 days, the first on 23 October 2026, 19 are open all year with no fixed deadline, and 59 were added this week. Each entry links to the official source.
Listings last checked 22 October 2026. Guide checked 21 October 2026.
The East Midlands covers Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland. Local funding comes from a spread of county community foundations, councils and local trusts, with wind farm funds in the flatter, rural parts of Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.
This page lists live grants tagged to the East Midlands that are open to charities, CICs or community groups. Funds are spread across many funders, so it is worth checking the whole list. UK-wide community grants are listed underneath.
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Create free accountClosing in the next 30 days (17)
Ernest Cook Trust Outdoor Learning Leader Grant
The Ernest Cook Trust
Funding for an Outdoor Learning Leader post that helps young people enjoy the outdoors and learn about land and biodiversity. Ten grants are available, through an expression of interest then a full application. Amount: Up to £20,000 a year for up to three years. Expressions of interest close 5pm on 30 October 2026. Who can apply: Charities and non-profit organisations located in, and benefiting people in, postcode areas CA and LA, GL, SN and BS, or LE (Leicestershire hub area). How to apply: Read the grant information on the Ernest Cook Trust grants page and submit an expression of interest by 5pm on 30 October 2026. Shortlisted organisations are invited to a full application. Official source: https://ernestcooktrust.org.uk/grants/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
East Lindsey Community Legacy Scheme
Lincolnshire Community Foundation (East Lindsey District Council)
Capital and revenue grants for community development in East Lindsey: community facilities, cohesion, core strength, digital exclusion and transport, young people, older people, and heritage, arts and culture. Projects over £5,000 need 25% match funding. Amount: Up to £35,000. Closes 30 October 2026; further dates to be confirmed. Who can apply: Not-for-profit community groups, registered charities, social enterprises and town and parish councils delivering projects in East Lindsey District. How to apply: Download the fund guidelines and application from the Lincolnshire Community Foundation fund page and submit before the closing date with your governing document and accounts or recent bank statements. LCF encourages a call first on 01529 305825. Official source: https://lincolnshirecf.co.uk/grants/elcls/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
DVA Health and Wellbeing Grant (Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire)
Derbyshire Voluntary Action (Derbyshire County Council Public Health)
The Health and Wellbeing Grant gives up to £1,000 to small groups in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire. Projects that bring people together, support mental health or help families and older people stay well are a good fit. Applications close on 30 October 2026. Official source: https://dva.org.uk/health-wellbeing-grants/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 22 October 2026.
High Peak Towns and Villages Regeneration Fund
High Peak Borough Council
The Towns and Villages Regeneration Fund gives £500 to £4,000 for projects that bring people into High Peak town and village centres. Signage, trail maps, accessibility work and public events can all qualify. You will need 20% to 50% match funding. Applications close on 31 October 2026. Official source: https://www.highpeak.gov.uk/article/8150/Towns-and-Villages-Regeneration-Fund. Last checked by GrantMatch on 22 October 2026.
Wryde Croft Wind Farm Community Fund
Cambridgeshire Community Foundation
Grants for charitable community projects benefiting residents within 6 km of Wryde Croft Wind Farm near Peterborough. Priority for projects that have raised some funds. Amount: Up to £10,000 (more on exception). Winter round closes 11:59am on 1 November 2026; outcomes by end of February 2027. Who can apply: Community-focused, not-for-profit organisations such as charities, CIOs, constituted groups and CICs limited by guarantee benefiting the parishes of Crowland, Fleet, Gedney Hill, Holbeach, Parson Drove, Sutton St Edmund, Thorney, Whaplode and Wisbech St Mary. How to apply: Read the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation application guidance, then complete the online application form linked from the fund page, with your governing document, accounts and policies. Call 01223 410535 or email info@cambscf.org.uk. Official source: https://www.cambscf.org.uk/funds/wryde-croft/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
Q Futures Community Fund
Lincolnshire Community Foundation (Quickline)
Grants for grassroots projects creating employment, training and skills opportunities, overcoming barriers to work, building integrated communities and digital inclusion, with priority for disadvantaged rural communities. Likely awards about £2,000. Amount: Up to £5,000. Next closing date 1 November 2026 (rounds 1 May and 1 November). Who can apply: Not-for-profit community groups, registered charities and other voluntary organisations with a strong local track record in North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire or eligible parts of Lincolnshire. How to apply: Download the fund guidelines and application from the Lincolnshire Community Foundation fund page and submit before the closing date with your governing document and accounts or recent bank statements. LCF encourages a call first on 01529 305825. Official source: https://lincolnshirecf.co.uk/grants/qfcf/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
Springwell Solar Farm Pre-Operational Community Fund
Lincolnshire Community Foundation (EDF Renewables)
Grants for voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations meeting current needs of people living close to the proposed Springwell Solar Farm near Scopwick. Decisions in 6 to 8 weeks. Amount: Up to £1,000. Next closing date 1 November 2026 (rounds 1 May and 1 November). Who can apply: Not-for-profit community groups, registered charities and other voluntary organisations serving the villages on the fund map around Scopwick. One grant held at a time. How to apply: Download the fund guidelines and application from the Lincolnshire Community Foundation fund page and submit before the closing date with your governing document and accounts or recent bank statements. LCF encourages a call first on 01529 305825. Official source: https://lincolnshirecf.co.uk/grants/ssf/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
High Peak Children and Young People's Mental Health Wellbeing Grant
High Peak CVS (Derbyshire County Council Public Health)
High Peak CVS offers up to £2,000 for new projects that support young people's mental wellbeing in the High Peak. Smaller awards cover one-off events (up to £750) and activity bursaries (up to £250). Applications close on 2 November 2026. Official source: https://highpeakcvs.org.uk/young-peoples-small-grants-scheme. Last checked by GrantMatch on 22 October 2026.
And 9 more in all open grants below.
Added this week (59)
Ernest Cook Trust Outdoor Learning Leader Grant
The Ernest Cook Trust
Funding for an Outdoor Learning Leader post that helps young people enjoy the outdoors and learn about land and biodiversity. Ten grants are available, through an expression of interest then a full application. Amount: Up to £20,000 a year for up to three years. Expressions of interest close 5pm on 30 October 2026. Who can apply: Charities and non-profit organisations located in, and benefiting people in, postcode areas CA and LA, GL, SN and BS, or LE (Leicestershire hub area). How to apply: Read the grant information on the Ernest Cook Trust grants page and submit an expression of interest by 5pm on 30 October 2026. Shortlisted organisations are invited to a full application. Official source: https://ernestcooktrust.org.uk/grants/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
East Lindsey Community Legacy Scheme
Lincolnshire Community Foundation (East Lindsey District Council)
Capital and revenue grants for community development in East Lindsey: community facilities, cohesion, core strength, digital exclusion and transport, young people, older people, and heritage, arts and culture. Projects over £5,000 need 25% match funding. Amount: Up to £35,000. Closes 30 October 2026; further dates to be confirmed. Who can apply: Not-for-profit community groups, registered charities, social enterprises and town and parish councils delivering projects in East Lindsey District. How to apply: Download the fund guidelines and application from the Lincolnshire Community Foundation fund page and submit before the closing date with your governing document and accounts or recent bank statements. LCF encourages a call first on 01529 305825. Official source: https://lincolnshirecf.co.uk/grants/elcls/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
DVA Health and Wellbeing Grant (Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire)
Derbyshire Voluntary Action (Derbyshire County Council Public Health)
The Health and Wellbeing Grant gives up to £1,000 to small groups in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire. Projects that bring people together, support mental health or help families and older people stay well are a good fit. Applications close on 30 October 2026. Official source: https://dva.org.uk/health-wellbeing-grants/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 22 October 2026.
High Peak Towns and Villages Regeneration Fund
High Peak Borough Council
The Towns and Villages Regeneration Fund gives £500 to £4,000 for projects that bring people into High Peak town and village centres. Signage, trail maps, accessibility work and public events can all qualify. You will need 20% to 50% match funding. Applications close on 31 October 2026. Official source: https://www.highpeak.gov.uk/article/8150/Towns-and-Villages-Regeneration-Fund. Last checked by GrantMatch on 22 October 2026.
Wryde Croft Wind Farm Community Fund
Cambridgeshire Community Foundation
Grants for charitable community projects benefiting residents within 6 km of Wryde Croft Wind Farm near Peterborough. Priority for projects that have raised some funds. Amount: Up to £10,000 (more on exception). Winter round closes 11:59am on 1 November 2026; outcomes by end of February 2027. Who can apply: Community-focused, not-for-profit organisations such as charities, CIOs, constituted groups and CICs limited by guarantee benefiting the parishes of Crowland, Fleet, Gedney Hill, Holbeach, Parson Drove, Sutton St Edmund, Thorney, Whaplode and Wisbech St Mary. How to apply: Read the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation application guidance, then complete the online application form linked from the fund page, with your governing document, accounts and policies. Call 01223 410535 or email info@cambscf.org.uk. Official source: https://www.cambscf.org.uk/funds/wryde-croft/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
Q Futures Community Fund
Lincolnshire Community Foundation (Quickline)
Grants for grassroots projects creating employment, training and skills opportunities, overcoming barriers to work, building integrated communities and digital inclusion, with priority for disadvantaged rural communities. Likely awards about £2,000. Amount: Up to £5,000. Next closing date 1 November 2026 (rounds 1 May and 1 November). Who can apply: Not-for-profit community groups, registered charities and other voluntary organisations with a strong local track record in North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire or eligible parts of Lincolnshire. How to apply: Download the fund guidelines and application from the Lincolnshire Community Foundation fund page and submit before the closing date with your governing document and accounts or recent bank statements. LCF encourages a call first on 01529 305825. Official source: https://lincolnshirecf.co.uk/grants/qfcf/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
Guide
Checked 21 October 2026 against the official sources linked.
County community foundations
Lincolnshire Community Foundation works across Greater Lincolnshire and has been giving grants since 2002. Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire and Rutland each have a community foundation too, running funds for particular places, causes and groups of people.
Source: Lincolnshire Community Foundation, Northamptonshire Community Foundation, Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation
Wind farm and energy funds
Several wind farms in Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire pay into community funds for nearby villages, and offshore wind projects fund larger schemes for coastal communities in Lincolnshire. These usually name the parishes they cover, so check your group is inside the area before you apply.
Small funds for specific needs
The region has many small funds with a narrow purpose, such as Christmas meals or transport for older people in rural areas, or support for one town. They suit groups that can show a clear, practical need and spend a small grant well and quickly.
Getting help
Your local council for voluntary service or rural community council can help with funding searches and applications. Most of the grants below need a governing document, a bank account in the group name and simple accounts, so have those ready. A safeguarding policy is also expected if you work with children or adults at risk.
Who funds this
45 different funders in total. Where a maximum award is stated, the middle value is £5,000.
By grant size
| Largest award | Open grants |
|---|---|
| Up to £2,000 | 18 |
| £2,001 to £10,000 | 28 |
| £10,001 to £100,000 | 12 |
| Over £100,000 | 1 |
| Amount varies or not stated | 2 |
All open grants (61)
No deadline listed
Check the funder's current application window before you apply.
Erewash Small Grants Scheme and Social Connect Funding
Erewash Voluntary Action (Derbyshire County Council Public Health)
The Erewash Small Grant Scheme gives up to £1,500 to local groups improving health, wellbeing and community connection. Projects that tackle isolation can apply for up to £3,000 by also drawing on Social Connect funding before 1 December 2026. There is no fixed deadline, so you can apply at any time while funds last. Official source: https://www.erewashvoluntaryaction.org.uk/erewashsmallgrants. Last checked by GrantMatch on 22 October 2026.
Constance Travis Endowment Fund for Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire Community Foundation
Grants for projects contributing to local goals such as tackling poverty and hunger, health and wellbeing, education, equality, decent work, inclusive communities and climate action. Amount: Up to £2,000. Rolling: no fixed deadline; applications reviewed monthly. Who can apply: Small, locally managed voluntary, community or self-help groups and charities. NCF does not usually fund social enterprises controlled by one individual. Working in Northamptonshire. How to apply: Read the fund guidance on the Northamptonshire Community Foundation page and apply through the online form linked there. NCF recommends speaking to its grants team before applying. Official source: https://www.ncf.uk.com/constance-travis-endowment-fund. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
Mercers' Company Church and Communities Programme
The Mercers' Company
One to three year grants for churches and faith and community organisations building stronger communities in deprived areas (including support for refugees and homeless people) or giving whole-family support to families and unpaid carers facing poverty. Amount: £10,000 to £120,000 in total. Rolling: apply any time; committee meets four times a year. Who can apply: Churches and faith or community-based organisations in Greater London, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Tees Valley, Lincolnshire and Norfolk. Not work solely for young or older people, or solely to advance a faith. How to apply: Submit an expression of interest through the Mercers application portal. You hear within about four weeks whether to send a full application; decisions take three to five months. Official source: https://www.mercers.co.uk/church_and_communities_funding_guidelines. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
Duke of Devonshire's Charitable Trust Grants
The Duke of Devonshire's Charitable Trust
Single-year grants for charitable causes local or relevant to the Chatsworth, Bolton Abbey and Devonshire Group estates, mainly Derbyshire, plus areas near Bolton Abbey in North Yorkshire and Eastbourne in Sussex. Amount: Typically £250 to £10,000. Rolling: applications welcome; trustees expected to meet in autumn 2026. Who can apply: UK registered charities, CIOs and CICs (or exempt bodies such as churches and schools). Not within 12 months of an unsuccessful bid or 2 years of a grant. Show good fundraising progress. How to apply: Complete the application form on the DDCT website and email it with your accounts to ddct@chatsworth.org, or post it to Chatsworth, Bakewell, DE45 1PP. Official source: https://ddct.org.uk/guidelines/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
West Lindsey Councillor Initiative Fund
West Lindsey District Council
West Lindsey district councillors can each give up to £1,000 to local community projects. Speak to your councillor first. Several councillors can back the same project. There is no fixed deadline, so you can apply at any time while funds last. Official source: https://www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/communities-safety/grants-funding/councillor-initiative-fund. Last checked by GrantMatch on 22 October 2026.
Cecil Pettit Legacy Fund
Northamptonshire Community Foundation
Grants for projects supporting people living with disabilities, such as support and advocacy groups, accessible learning and training, and wellbeing activities that reduce isolation. Amount: Up to £3,000. Rolling: no fixed deadline; applications reviewed monthly. Who can apply: Local community organisations and social enterprises in Northamptonshire (not those controlled by one individual). How to apply: Read the fund guidance on the Northamptonshire Community Foundation page and apply through the online form linked there. NCF recommends speaking to its grants team before applying. Official source: https://www.ncf.uk.com/cecil-pettit-legacy-fund. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
More grants
Get alerts when new grants open
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Create free accountQ Futures Community Fund
Lincolnshire Community Foundation (Quickline)
Grants for grassroots projects creating employment, training and skills opportunities, overcoming barriers to work, building integrated communities and digital inclusion, with priority for disadvantaged rural communities. Likely awards about £2,000. Amount: Up to £5,000. Next closing date 1 November 2026 (rounds 1 May and 1 November). Who can apply: Not-for-profit community groups, registered charities and other voluntary organisations with a strong local track record in North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire or eligible parts of Lincolnshire. How to apply: Download the fund guidelines and application from the Lincolnshire Community Foundation fund page and submit before the closing date with your governing document and accounts or recent bank statements. LCF encourages a call first on 01529 305825. Official source: https://lincolnshirecf.co.uk/grants/qfcf/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
UK-wide community grants also open here
These are open to groups anywhere in the UK. Check each one for its full rules.
Sylvia Waddilove Foundation UK
Sylvia Waddilove Foundation UK
Grants usually of £1,000 to £5,000, mainly for capital costs, across areas including the arts, disability, hospices, historic buildings and education. UK charities can apply; income limits vary by funding area (for example under £500,000 for most arts and £3 million for building preservation). Apply through the online form before 12 noon on 30 October 2026 (the autumn round may close early if busy). Official source: https://pwwsolicitors.co.uk/charity-grants/waddilove-foundation-uk/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
Ford Britain Trust Small Grants
Ford Britain Trust
Small grants of up to £250 for capital items and projects that benefit communities, young people, education and disabled people. Areas near Ford sites get priority. Registered charities, state schools, PTAs and not-for-profit groups in the UK can apply. Large grants (up to £3,000) are paused until a new form is published. Apply online by 31 October 2026 for review in November. Official source: https://www.ford.co.uk/experience-ford/news/ford-britain-trust. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
LGBT+ Fund Get Active Fund
The LGBT+ Fund (Consortium)
Grants of £5,000 to £25,000 a year, for one or two years, for LGBT+ sport and physical activity groups across the UK. UK organisations and groups working in LGBT+ sport and physical activity can apply, with priority for grassroots groups. Apply on the LGBT+ Fund website before 12 noon on 4 November 2026. Official source: https://lgbtfund.org.uk/live-funds/get-active-fund/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
British Science Week Community Grant Scheme
British Science Association
Grants for community groups to run science activity for British Science Week 2027. Pilot Grants are £2,500, and Incubator Grants of £5,000 to £8,000 fund projects co-designed by community organisations and researchers. Community organisations and groups across the UK can apply, especially those working with audiences under-represented in science. Apply online through the British Science Week website before 5pm on 4 November 2026. Decisions by 14 December 2026. Official source: https://www.britishscienceweek.org/grants/community-grant-scheme/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
British Science Week Curiosity Grant for Schools
British Science Association
A £600 cash grant paid to a school to run science activity for British Science Week 2027. UK schools can apply. No more than £100 can go on refreshments. Apply online from the British Science Week site by 5pm on 4 November 2026. Official source: https://www.britishscienceweek.org/grants/new-school-funding-2027/curiosity-grant/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
Social Investment Gateway Programme
School for Social Entrepreneurs
The Social Investment Gateway Programme is a free 12-month support programme run by the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE). It helps charities, social enterprises and community organisations strengthen their trading and move closer to being ready for social investment within the next three years. The programme will support 75 leaders across four cohorts. Cohort 2 runs from 1 March 2027 to 1 February 2028, and applications are now open. Face-to-face sessions take place in London and Manchester at the start, middle and end of the programme. You can choose between two types of grant. A Match Trading Grant of up to £18,000 is designed to challenge your trading, and you can only draw it down as your trading grows. It is paid over 12 months in five instalments. A repayable grant of up to £24,000 is also available, with an average of around £22,000. SSE is piloting repayable grants, and 10 are on offer across both rounds. SSE will share the risk with you and wants to learn with you how repayable grants might help organisations get into social investment. The programme suits organisations that have a trading model and plans to grow over the next year. You might want support with market development, pricing and sales, financial strategy, systems, governance, demonstrating impact or managing risk. The deadline is noon on Friday 6 November 2026. One practical point: you should usually have an annual income above £100,000, counting all income and not just trading income. Groups below that level with a strong trading model are encouraged to contact SSE. Official source: https://www.actiontogether.org.uk/social-investment-gateway-programme. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
Leeds Building Society Foundation - Small Grants
Leeds Building Society Foundation
The Leeds Building Society Foundation Small Grants help UK charities that support people in need of a safe and secure home. The Foundation funds work in the housing and homelessness sector. You can apply for up to £2,500. The grants are flexible, so you can ask for core, project or capital costs. The average grant period is between six months and a year. The scheme suits UK-registered charities with a turnover of under £500,000. You can be based anywhere in the UK. Your application must meet at least one of the funding priorities: financial stress, security and refuge, or quality and suitability of housing. You can also apply under the theme of health and wellbeing support for people experiencing homelessness. This must be part of wraparound support, and your application must also meet at least one of the other priorities. The Foundation welcomes applications that take a Housing First and/or relationship-based approach. It would like to see evidence of strength-based practice, trauma-informed care and psychologically informed environments. The current application window opened on 8 September 2026 and closes on 11 November 2026. The Foundation's meeting for this window is on 4 December 2026. One practical point: the Foundation highly recommends reading its grant giving guide before you apply. The guide explains what is funded, who is eligible and how the process works. Official source: https://www.leedsbuildingsociety.co.uk/your-society/about-us/foundation/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
DPS Social Commitment Programme: Scale
School for Social Entrepreneurs
A nine-month learning programme plus a grant of up to £10,000 for established social enterprises and charities that help people get and keep secure housing. UK organisations tackling housing insecurity, usually with annual income over £100,000 and a model ready to grow, can apply. Register interest and apply on the SSE website by 12pm on 16 November 2026. Official source: https://www.the-sse.org/programme/the-dps-social-commitment-programme-scale/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
See every grant for community groups (69 in total)
Questions
What community grants are open in the East Midlands?
Today GrantMatch lists 61 live grants tagged to the East Midlands that are open to charities, CICs or community groups, from 45 funders. 46 offer up to £10,000, 19 have no fixed deadline and 17 close in the next 30 days.
Which counties are in the East Midlands?
Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland, including the cities of Derby, Leicester and Nottingham.
Who are the main funders?
Funding here is spread across many organisations. Today the largest funders on this page are Lincolnshire Community Foundation, Northamptonshire Community Foundation, West Lindsey District Council.
Are there grants for groups in Lincolnshire?
Yes. Lincolnshire Community Foundation and several wind farm funds in Lincolnshire appear on this page. North and North East Lincolnshire are in the Yorkshire and the Humber region, so check that page too.
How do you check these grants?
We collect grants from official funder pages, GOV.UK, councils and community foundations, and remove them when they close. Each grant page links to its source and shows when we last checked it. Always confirm the details with the funder before you apply.
Start your free GrantMatch account
Tell us about your organisation once and GrantMatch shows the grants you are most likely to win, checks your eligibility and emails you when new funding for community groups in the East Midlands opens. Free to start, no card needed.
Create free accountRelated pages
Sources and how we check
We collect grants from official funder pages and remove them when they close. Each grant page links to its source and shows when we last checked it. Always confirm the details with the funder before you apply. Guide sources: