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Make sure you head over to our Community Action page for all the details on our updates!
Remember if your group or organisation would like some advice or support or you have anything you would like to add to next month's newsletter get in touch!
Remember we are here to help, if you’d like our support on making an application or to speak to an officer about your ideas and other funding opportunities that may be available please do get in touch
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BBC Children in Need - Core Grants
Maximum value = £ 120,000
Application deadline 15 April 2025
Grants to cover core costs are available for not-for-profit organisations that are working with disadvantaged children and young people aged 18 years or under who are living in the UK.
The funding is intended for not-for-profit organisations that work with disadvantaged children and young people, under the age of 18, living in the UK.
BBC Children in Need has announced that it will be ‘unable to accept new Expressions of Interest application after 15 April 2025 until mid September 2025’.
The core grants stream can support organisations for up to three years.
The maximum grant is £120,000 (or £40,000 over three years), though most grants made are for much less than this.
Registered charities and not-for-profit organisations who work with disadvantaged children and young people of 18 years and under living in the UK, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands are eligible to apply.
The following organisations can apply:
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Community interest companies (CIC).
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Companies limited by guarantee (CLG) including social enterprises. A company limited by guarantee must have registered with Companies House.
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Industrial and provident community benefit societies.
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Special schools (These are provisions for children with learning difficulties or disabilities which cannot be met within a mainstream setting).
To be eligible, applicants must be:
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Working with children and young people aged 18 years and under.
Priority will be given to applications from smaller, local organisations with an annual turnover of more than £1 million in the most recent, complete financial year.
In recognition of the fact that there are some organisations with a higher income delivering vital work for children and young people, the following types of organisations can apply regardless of their turnover:
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Hospices (including children's hospices).
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Groups delivering nationwide (across a whole nation) or UK-wide work (across multiple nations within the UK).
The following are not eligible for funding:
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Work that statutory bodies (such as schools or local authorities) have a duty to fund.
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Educational institutions, including schools, universities, and pupil referral units. Special schools are the only exception.
Core Costs grants are awarded as restricted funding and must be used to cover the organisation’s essential running expenses.
The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 15 April 2025 (23:59).
Applications can be made at any time. There are no deadlines.
Groups requesting £15,000 or less will receive a quicker decision and be able to start sooner.
There is a two-stage application process:
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An initial Expression of Interest form can be found on the Children in Need website.
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Successful applicants will receive a link to the full application form and have 120 days to complete it.
Organisations can only apply for and hold one grant at any time.
Organisations with a current BBC Children in Need grant that is due to end within 12 months can usually reapply. However, the new funding will not be released until the current grant has ended.
Contact BBC Children in Need for more information.
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Concertina Charitable Trust - Open for Applications
Funding body
Maximum value £ 250 Application deadline 30/04/2025
Small grants are available to registered charities in England and Wales to provide musical activities and related facilities for the elderly community in need.
The Concertina Charitable Trust was set up in 2004. Since then it has funded a wide range of charitable organisations nationwide in England and Wales, including many care homes for the elderly to provide musical entertainment for their residents.
Funding is intended to provide musical entertainment and related activities for the elderly to provide therapeutic benefit for their health and wellbeing.
Grants of up to £250 are available.
Match Funding Restrictions
The Trust is particularly keen to act as a catalyst via matched funding.
The Trust is keen to support smaller charitable organisations in England and Wales that might otherwise find it difficult to gain funding. These include funds to many care homes for the elderly, to provide musical entertainment for residents.
Organisations will be automatically refused funding if they do not include their accounts or financial statements with the application.
The Trust awards grants to charitable bodies which provide cultural activities and related facilities for the elderly, in order to improve the quality of life of elderly people.
The annual deadlines for application are 30 April and 31 October.
An application form is available to download from the Trust's website. The completed form must be sent by post to the Trust Administrator.
No e-mail or telephone correspondence will be entered into regarding an application.
The Trustees will assess any application to ensure that any grant would be within the Trust’s objects, whether the charity is in financial need, the amount of benefit that would be derived from the grant (for example, the number of residents that would attend a concert or use the facilities) and any other factors the Trustees think important. As part of this process, the Trustees may ask for further information and, if feasible, one of the Trustees will meet a representative of the charity.
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Screwfix Foundation
Application deadline - 10/05/2025
Grants are available to UK registered charities and not-for-profit organisations for projects that improve, fix, and repair buildings, homes and facilities specifically used by people in need across the UK.
The funding is intended for both national and local charities across the UK so that they can fix, repair, maintain and improve properties and community facilities specifically for those in need (by reason of financial hardship, sickness, disability or other disadvantage or distress) in the UK.
Registered charities and not-for-profit organisations based in the UK (including specialist not-for-profit schools) can apply.
Applications will be accepted from:
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Registered Charities with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
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Registered Community Interest Company (CIC) with Companies House.
To be eligible, applicants must:
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Be supporting people in need in the UK by reason of financial hardship, sickness, disability or other disadvantage or distress. :
The funding is for projects which improve a physical building (or land attached to it) that is used by people in need.
The funding is to be used for the following types of projects:
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Improved energy efficient lighting and heating
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Installation of new kitchen, bathroom etc.
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Installation of a sensory room.
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General painting and decorating.
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Improving safety and security of a building.
The guidelines and online application form can be found on The Screwfix Foundation website.
The trustees meet to review applications in March, June, September and December. The cut off date for applications is 12pm on the 10th of the month prior to the Trustee meeting.
The application windows are:
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11 February to 10 May for the June Trustee meeting with a decision by 30 June.
All projects that are successful will be listed on the Screwfix Foundation website.
Contact The Screwfix Foundation for further information.
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Community Resilience Team: A Year of Impact and Dedication
The Community Resilience Team has had an incredibly busy year supporting the voluntary sector in Coventry during 2024-25. As we approach the end of the financial year, we are excited to share some data highlighting our achievements and ongoing commitment to the community.
Even though we are a small team, our dedication to supporting the voluntary organisations in Coventry has remained unwavering. Our work includes assisting with funding, forming partnerships, engaging with stakeholder groups, and connecting you with other council departments. We recognise the immense value and incredible work you do, from friendship groups to food hubs, community events, debt advice, training, activities for young people and families.
Over the past year, we have supported 79 groups with 119 funding applications, securing a total of £677,061 for Coventry organisations. The majority of these groups are run by volunteers, showcasing the dedication and expertise of the people living and volunteering in Coventry. Their commitment to helping others is truly inspiring.
As we move into the next financial year, we will continue to support you in every way we can, prioritising projects that target neighbourhoods and groups that need support the most.
We are excited to announce that we will be again offering training through our funding workshops, with dates to be shared soon.
Thank you for your continued efforts and dedication to making Coventry a better place for all. Together, we can achieve great things!
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Dominion Grace Breakfast Club: Building Community Resilience in Willenhall
Every Saturday from 10am to 1pm, the Dominion Grace Breakfast Club at the Hagard Community Centre in Willenhall is making a significant impact on the local community. Run by dedicated volunteers, including some with learning difficulties, this initiative provides a welcoming space for residents to enjoy a free breakfast and socialise. The club's unique waitress service allows volunteers to connect with attendees and foster a sense of community.
Each week, up to 120 residents, ranging from 1 to 90 years old, gather at the breakfast club. For many, this is their only opportunity to socialise, especially given the current cost of living challenges. The club not only addresses food insecurity but also combats social isolation, making it a vital resource for the community.
The Community Resilience Team (CRT) has played a crucial role in supporting Dominion Grace by securing much-needed funding. Thanks to a generous grant of £18,970 from the National Lottery, the project will continue for the next two years. This funding will cover room hire, food, plates, and cutlery, ensuring the breakfast club can keep serving the community.
Additionally, CRT helped Dominion Grace obtain a small Public Health Grant. This grant will be used to establish a Smokefree table at the breakfast club, where trained volunteers will offer advice and resources to help residents quit smoking, promoting healthier lifestyles within the community.
Volunteer Voices: "Being part of this project has helped me build my confidence and make new friends," said one volunteer.
Dominion Grace commented, "We cannot thank the Community Resilience Team enough for their help with this project. Their support has been invaluable in ensuring we can continue to serve our community."
Dominion Grace is also working to enhance digital inclusion. They have recently applied to #Covconnects for laptops, which will help residents access online resources and complete necessary forms.
This initiative offers comprehensive support, combining friendship, food, advice, and digital access. The Dominion Grace Breakfast Club is a shining example of community resilience in action, bringing people together and providing essential support to those in need.
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Coventry Empowered African Women – Celebrating International Women's Day
This month, Community Resilience has been actively supporting the Coventry Empowered African Women's Group by assisting them in applying for external funding for room hire, cultural events, and activities.
To celebrate International Women's Day, the group held an event on 8th March at The Windmill Hotel. This year’s event was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful reminder that when women rise, society rises with them.
Display stations were set up around the venue, showcasing the work of inspiring women and setting the stage for an empowering night ahead. Ninety-five women attended the event, including the Mayor, who marked the occasion with official recognition and support. The Mayor led a toast, symbolising unity and commitment to the cause, before delivering a heartfelt welcome speech.
Throughout the evening, guests were inspired by a series of speeches, poems, songs, and other performances. Dr. Abi from Warwick University introduced the Clarity+ Project, a ground breaking initiative focused on empowering women through research, education, and policy development.
This event was more than just a celebration; it was a movement. It reinforced that empowerment is not just about providing opportunities but about breaking down barriers, amplifying women's voices, and supporting one another in every way possible. Together, we can achieve great things.
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Veterans Moving Forwards
Veterans Moving Forwards is a face to face course delivered by experts and peers who have been trained by Help for Heroes and is suitable for all military Veterans regardless of when, where or how long you served. Highlights include understanding the impact of your military service on your thoughts and behaviours, gaining clarity and purpose about your new direction in life, learn skills to help you to cope with change and ways of keeping yourself on track.
This course starts Tuesday 29 April at Bulkington Community Centre and enrolments can be made via our website.
For more information email recovery.academy@covwarkpt.nhs.uk or call 0300 303 2626.
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Octavius and Coventry City Council Collaborate to Inspire Young Minds
Octavius, a transport solutions provider, got in touch with Community Resilience Team to provide some social value work in communities. They collaborated with Coventry City Council to donate 20 copies of the educational storybook "Sammi on Site." Co-written by Octavius' Site Manager, the book aims to ignite curiosity about the built environment and the role of engineering in shaping our world.
Sam Wraith from Octavius expressed the company's commitment to community support, stating, "We’re proud to support the Coventry Adult Education Centre Family Learning Programme to help promote strong positive relationships within families; enabling parents and carers to support their children’s learning and development."
This initiative is part of Octavius' ongoing efforts to foster educational growth and community resilience. By providing these resources, Octavius and Coventry City Council hope to inspire the next generation of engineers and builders, while also strengthening family bonds through shared learning experiences.
For more information about the Family Learning Programme and how you can get involved, please contact the Coventry Adult Education Centre.
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Coventry Job Fest – Your gateway to exciting opportunities!
We are excited to announce Coventry Job Fest, a three-day event to connect our community with amazing training, employment, and volunteering opportunities. The event will take place on:
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Monday, April 28 at St Michael's
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Wednesday, April 30 at Foleshill
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Saturday, May 3 at Longford
Residents can meet big businesses looking to hire and talk to experts who can help them secure one of the many live job vacancies available each day.
What to expect:
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Meet Leading Employers: Chat with top employers like Coventry City Council, Severn Trent, E.ON, Sky Blues, Cadent Gas, The Armed Forces, Eureka Nursery, UHCW NHS, Costco, Hill Group, Screwfix, and more. They will bring live job vacancies, work experience opportunities, and fast-tracked applications. Plus, there will be help with interviews and interactive employability workshops featuring innovative tools like VR headsets.
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Support for Young People: There will be CV and interview workshops, tailored advice, and one-on-one support to help young people kickstart their careers. In partnership with local training providers like Coventry College and the University of Warwick, we will showcase many pathways to success in Coventry’s thriving industries.
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Opportunities for All: Coventry Job Fest is for everyone, regardless of age, looking for work, a new job, or to upskill. It’s a chance to meet employers, gain skills, and access career support in a welcoming and fun environment, especially for residents of St Michaels, Foleshill, and Longford.
We invite everyone – residents, job seekers, community leaders, and business leaders – to join this exciting community celebration. Let’s shape the future of Coventry together!
Event details:
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St Michael’s: Monday, April 28, 2025, from 10am to 2pm at St Peters Church, CV1 5NP
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Foleshill: Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 10am to 2pm at Mercia Venue, 123 Lockhurst Lane, Coventry, CV6 5PD
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Longford: Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 10am to 2pm at Foxford School, Grange Road, Longford, Coventry, CV6 6BB
We look forward to welcoming you to Coventry Job Fest!
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Godiva Festival tickets to go on sale this month
Tickets for Coventry’s Godiva Festival are to go on sale on Monday 31 March – and prices have been frozen at the same level as last year.
The announcement means music lovers and families can enjoy an amazing three days of music and fun at affordable prices and ensures the Festival remains one of the best value-for-money events across the region. The 26th Festival will be held at the War Memorial Park over three days in the summer from Friday 4 – Sunday 6 July 2025. Tickets will be on sale from 9am on Monday 31 March and can be purchased via the Godiva Festival website. Details of the eagerly awaited line-up will be announced soon, along with everything festival-goers need to plan a fantastic weekend in the city. As usual, there will be a diverse line-up of musical acts and attractions, with food stalls, exhibitions, and family-friendly activities, making it the perfect summer outing for the whole family.
Coventry City Council, organisers of the annual event, have always kept ticket prices as low as possible to ensure Godiva remains a fun family event that is open and accessible to everyone.
Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council and Cabinet Member for Events, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to hold ticket prices at the same level as in 2024 and keep our Godiva Festival an event that everyone can enjoy.
“Every year we see thousands of people from the city and beyond enjoy an amazing three days of top music acts, local talent and family fun, and I’m already looking forward to this year and another incredible line-up.
“Also this year we have extra security measures and new entry conditions designed to help people feel at ease and able to enjoy everything that is on offer.
“The prices really do offer great value for money and I would advise everyone to book quickly and make sure they don’t miss out.”
Early Bird prices mean tickets to this year’s festival can be bought for as little as £26 for a Standard Weekend Ticket and £79 for a Family Weekend Ticket which covers two adults and two children/teens.
News of the ticket price freeze comes with the announcement of increased security measures and a change of entry conditions. This year, the minimum age for teenagers attending without an accompanying adult will rise from 16 to 18 years, and there must also be one responsible adult aged 21 or over for every two accompanied minors instead of the previous number of four. A new ‘Teen Ticket’ category has been introduced for those aged from 13-17 at a lower rate than an adult 18+ ticket, and a child’s ticket for those aged five to 12 years, which is at a lower cost than last year. Family ticket prices will allow for any combination of teens and children at no extra cost and a new single parent family ticket is being introduced. In all cases, under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 21 or above. There will also be increased security around the perimeter of the Festival site, and those seen not wearing a wristband will be asked to leave. Last year’s super concession rate ticket for validated Go CV+ members to purchase will also remain this year. The Go CV+ Super Concession Weekend Ticket will be available for just £15.50 in the Early Bird category before gradually increasing once Early Bird tickets have sold out. Go CV+ Super Concession Day Tickets cost £6.50 for a Friday ticket, £7 for Saturday and just £4 to attend on Sunday when bought at Early Bird prices. Go CV+ members can buy a maximum of four tickets per person at super concession prices. Those eligible for Go CV+ must live in Coventry and either be in receipt of a qualifying benefit, a carer registered with Carers Trust Heart of England, a Coventry City Council foster carer, a student with an NUS card, a young person aged 16 – 19 years old in fulltime education or a resident with asylum seeker status.
Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, said: “The introduction of the Go CV+ offer last year really helped many residents and families who might otherwise struggle with finances to attend and enjoy the amazing atmosphere of Godiva.
“In line with our city’s beliefs of equality and giving a little extra help to those who need it, we are again offering some support to ensure people such as carers, students, those on benefit and those newly arrived in our city can enjoy the weekend at a price they can afford.
“Please make sure your Go CV+ accounts are validated and you’re ready to take advantage of this great offer when tickets go on sale.”
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