Funding and Grants

Applications for Village SOS funding are no longer being accepted. However, there are many ways of finance your community business – the important thing is to find a blend of funding that works best for you. It may take some time for a community business to be self-sustaining but don't let this deter you.

There is a wealth of funding available from a large number of organisations like Lottery Good Causes to the Big Issue's Big Invest scheme for social enterprise.

Here are some key organisations you may want to take a look at:

• Funding Central is a free website, supported by the government, which provides access to thousands of funding and finance opportunities.
• Awards For All is a Lottery grants scheme funding small, local community-based projects in the UK.
• Reaching Communities (England) is about reaching to the heart of England's communities and helping those most in need.
• Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs funding.
• The Heritage Lottery Fund uses money raised through the National Lottery to give grants to sustain and transform our heritage.
• Some local councils will provide opportunities to apply for grants and/or other types of funding.
• The Forestry Commission of Great Britain is the government department responsible for the protection and expansion of Britain's forests and woodlands.
• The Social Investment Business
• Business Link’s guide to financing you enterprise.
• Startup’s guide to the financing options for social enterprise.