Supporting
To support the growth and development of our voluntary community and cultural sector
MK Community Foundation’s grant making supports Milton Keynes to grow and thrive, through strong communities, a healthy voluntary sector and engaged individuals. Projects may benefit Milton Keynes generally, individuals through our bursary programme; individual estates or areas of need as well as emergency responses.
We aim to fund a wide range of non-profit organisations working to create social change across all 12 Vital Signs thematic areas: Strong Communities, Disadvantage and Poverty, Diversity, Health and Wellbeing, Crime and Safety, Housing, Arts and Heritage, the Local Environment, Economy, Transport, Work, and Education. We welcome applications that respond to issues raised in the Vital Signs report
We particularly welcome applications from organisations looking to address new, emerging, and/or unmet needs, those working collaboratively or in partnership, and/or those working to improve the efficiency and capacity of the local voluntary sector. We look to support projects that are impact-focussed and promote equality, diversity and inclusion and are creative, where organisations have a clear understanding of the difference they will make.
You can read our full grants policy and eligibility criteria HERE.
Strategic Recovery Programme
Since the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic MK Community Foundation launched an emergency appeal to support the local Voluntary, Community and Cultural sector (VCCS) to respond and support the most vulnerable people in our society especially those adversely effected by the virus. During the emergency phase of the grant programme, the Community Foundation has supported grants to the value of over £1,000,000.
It is now essential that MK Community Foundation provides sustainable funding through the COVID-19 MK Recovery Fund to support the future sustainability of organisations and adapting to new ways of providing services.
Read our COVID-19 MK Strategic Recovery Grant Policy
Apply for a grant through our Strategic Recovery Programme HERE
Our main Grant Programmes that run throughout the year are:
Small Grants - up to £3,000
Community Grants – up to £10,000
Large Strategic Grants - multi year project
Transformation Grants - one-off strategic funding
Deadline dates -
Small Grants (Deadline on the last working Friday of each month 12pm (Midday) - turnaround 2-3 week from the date of deadline)
Community grants 12pm (Midday) on below dates - (turnaround 7-8 week from the date of deadline)
January 8th 2021
March 19th 2021
June 18th 2021
September 24th 2021
December 31st 2021
Large Strategic Grants 12pm (Midday) on below dates -
Expression of interest by May 16th 2021
Closing date for shortlisted application - July 11th 2021
Applications and expressions of interest for our Large Strategic Grant programme will need to meet the criteria for our Margaret Powell Fund.
The criteria of which is:
To fund voluntary & community groups delivering projects that
- benefit elderly people
- people with disabilities
- ideally organisations should seek to encourage integration & social cohesion
- help those of all ages suffering mental health illnesses.
Transformation Grants 12pm (Midday) on below dates -
Round 1
Expression of interest opens February 8th 2021
Closing date - April 16th 2021
Round 2
Expression of interest opens August 27th 2021
Deadline for expression of interest - 6th September
Closing date - October 15th 2021
Should you be interested in applying for either the Large Strategic Grant's or Transformation grants please get in contact with a member of the Philanthropy team for the appropriate application form - info@mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk or on 01908 690 276
Other grant programmes currently available:
Arts Council England Let’s Create Jubilee Fund
The Let’s Create Jubilee Fund will support voluntary and community groups to develop creative and cultural activities as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. The fund has been created by Arts Council England (ACE) with funds from the National Lottery.
Grant applications between £750 - £10,000 will be accepted.
Application Deadline: 28th February 2022
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Made By Sport fund
Applying for a grant
All applications are via an online application form only.
However we do have a PDF copy of the questions we ask in the application forms for your reference.
Should you have any accessibility issues with accessing the forms, please get in touch with us either at info@mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk or on 01908 690 276.
Should you have any further queries regarding our grant programme or processes please do get in touch with the Philanthropy Team –01908 690 276
You can access our FAQ page here
Our Mission
Inspiring
To inspire giving to our communities through philanthropy and other social action
Leading
To take a lead in connecting and growing sustainable communities
