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Monday 10 November 2025

Welcome to our latest edition of the VCSE newsletter. This issue we bring you our usual grant updates, alongside some helpful information about governance. 

When it comes to accessing funding, successful applications are often those that can clearly link their proposed ideas to their organisation's  core values and to carefully considered plans for development. Now may be the time to review where you are at and start to make plans for the future. 

Don't forget that Friday 5 December is International Volunteer Day. How will you celebrate your voluntary group or volunteers? Shouting out about your good work will not only draw attention to the fantastic impact you have on the local community, but may also encourage others to take part. 

Feel free to drop me an email about anything you have found useful, and any ideas of what else you'd like to see: Dawn Deacon, Community Focus Support Officer at grants@nwleicestershire.gov.uk. 

NWLDC grant update

Zero Carbon and Small Grant Applications are now closed.

Due to a high volume of successful applications to both of these grants, the pot has now been fully allocated. This means that both grants are now closed until April 2026. 

NWL Community Lottery Grant

There is still an opportunity to apply for funding of up to £750 from the Community Lottery Grant. Please be reminded that projects should fall under one of the following themes:

• Build community spirit and encourage local engagement
• Run youth activities or projects
• Support disability groups and promote inclusivity.

This grant can be applied for to support:

• New projects
• New elements/development within existing projects
• Initiatives aimed at engaging new user groups or communities.

Please note that ongoing running costs for existing projects (e.g. rent, utilities, staff salaries), existing annual or recurring events and core operational expenses not linked to new or expanded activities are unlikely to be successful. 

Charity Governance Code Do you feel your group/trustees would benefit from guidance to develop your governance? This could including developing understanding by trustees of responsibilities and duties, to target activities and decisions towards short and long term aims, and continue to shape your charity's behaviours and cultures? The Charity Governance Code, developed by a cross sector  voluntary steering group, sets out eight key universal principles. Each of these describes what you’d expect to see in your charity to show your governance is working well.  To find out more about the Charity Governance Code visit: Charity Governance Code - Charity Governance Code

If you are interested in undertaking a review of your governance with the view to making improvements, you may also be interested in the free 'Governance App' developed by The Directory of Social Change.

Making Local Life Better Fund - Open for applications

The Making Local Life Better Fund is made up of money from individual and corporate donors and seeks to prioritise smaller grassroots community, voluntary and charitable groups improving the lives of local people Around 100 organisations across Leicestershire are supported across the year with a maximum grant of £3000 available.  They have recently updated their application form to streamline to process. However, please ensure that you fully read the eligibility guidelines before making an application.

Ask VAL Pop Up NWL Thursday 20 November 10.30 - 12.30pm at Coalville Library If you are interested in volunteering or you are an organisation looking for volunteers. If you are a VCSE organisation based in North West Leicestershire District, and you need help with anything from starting up a new group to securing large bids, collaborating with other organisations or effective governance. Come and join VAL at the Coalville Library for a face to face chat on the day. No need to book if you have any enquiries contact the helpline Tel: 0116 257 5050 Email:  helpline@valonline.org.uk