National Express Foundation’s Community Grant Scheme

Funding for local community groups across the country who conduct meaningful community activity and have an overarching focus on providing support to young people.

In 2023, the National Express Foundation has expanded its community grants programme from the West Midlands to include the whole of the UK.

This year’s funding focus is to help community groups that support young people (aged 15 to 24 years) continue to build back from the pandemic.

There is a total budget of £100,000 with grants of £1,000, £2,500, or £5,000 for projects which begin in the third quarter of 2023.

Projects need to fit into one or more of the following funding themes:

Diversionary Activities. Initiatives that specifically focus on engaging with young people, providing them support and deterring anti-social behaviour.
Environmental. Initiatives could include but are not limited to: encouraging young people to engage with the outdoors, initiatives that support the environment and involve youth groups
Employability. Initiatives that directly or indirectly equip young people with skills, experience or qualifications that will support them gaining access to employment.
Wellbeing. Initiatives that positively impact or provide support to young people through: physical activity, mental health and/ or social interaction.

Applications will be accepted from unincorporated associations, charities, Community Interest Companies (CIC), Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIO), voluntary groups, and sports and community clubs with an annual turnover of less than £ 250,000. Please note applications from organisations who turnover more than £250,000 annually will be considered, providing they can guarantee match funding in-kind from another organisation or grant.

Commenting on the launch of this year’s fund, National Express Foundation Chair of Trustees, Tom Stables, said:

“There are some fantastic community groups and organisations across the country that work incredibly hard to provide crucial support and opportunities to help young people fulfil their potential. That is why we are keen to provide funding this year that will enable them to build on the valuable services they provide and deliver projects that will make a difference. I would encourage groups to consider applying as soon as they can.”

There is a two-stage application process.

The deadline for first stage applications is 6 June 2023.

Full details…