The Croydon Community Grants Programme 2026 for small grassroots VCSE organisations opens for applications today.

It was designed as a small grants programme with a difference; a programme that does not want to support your project once but wants to fund it twice. Initially, groups will be able to apply for grants of up to £1,000 – funding that can help launch a new activity, expand an existing project, or reach more people in the community. We anticipate supporting around 15 groups through this first stage. A second funding round, offering grants of up to £5,000, will open later in the programme to help strengthen and sustain activities over the longer term. This opportunity will be available to successful applicants from the first stage, as well as eligible groups previously funded through the programme in 2025, recognising that the planned second-round funding was not awarded last year.

First launched in 2024, the programme has provided funding to 44 local groups to deliver projects that made a real difference in their communities. This year, we particularly want to fund projects around: 

• Youth engagement
• Homelessness and support for those in temporary accommodation
• Improving safety and security, particularly for women and girls     

Funding can be used for a range of costs, including equipment, marketing, events and venue hire. Groups that can demonstrate the positive impact their initial grant has had on the local community will be invited to apply for the larger second-stage grant. 

To be eligible, grassroots organisations must have an annual income of £75,000 or less and support local residents. Applicants must be formally constituted and have a governing document, a safeguarding policy, Public Liability Insurance in place and a bank account in the name of the organisation.

Applications for the 2026 programme will open on 13 July and close on 17 August, with successful applicants to be notified week commencing on 7 September. Projects will commence from 14 September 2026 and will have to be delivered by 31 January 2027.

BONUS: Our successful bidders will also be given the opportunity to have capacity building and upskilling sessions with Unibail–Rodamco–Westfield employees, to provide support and guidance on specific needs – i.e. marketing, finance, legal, health & safety etc.

To apply, please complete the application form by 5 pm on 17/8/2026. For any additional information email training@cvalive.org.uk