Funding Updated 02.10.26
Featured Funding Programmes
The National Lottery – Reaching Communities
About Us: With this funding we’ll help strengthen communities and improve lives across England. Our funding is available to all communities. But our priority is the places, people and communities that need it most.
Criteria: Voluntary or community organisations in England. Our priorities are to fund projects that support places, people or communities experiencing poverty, disadvantage or discrimination and support people and communities to shape the decisions that affect their lives.
Grant Size: £20,001 to £500,000
National Lottery Awards for All England
About Us: Social connections and community activities are at the heart of creating healthier, happier lives and a flourishing society. That’s why we support amazing community-led projects.
Criteria: You can apply for funding to deliver a new or existing activity or to support your organisation to change and adapt to new and future challenges.
Grant Size: £300 to £20,000
Aviva Community Fund
About Us: Building stronger, more resilient communities across the UK.
Criteria: The fund is for charities and social enterprises with an income of up to £2m whose work supports financial wellbeing in their communities and/or tackles climate change.
Grant Size: Up to £50,000 of match funding is available and Aviva said it will match every individual donation applicants receive up to £250.
Sport England Movement Fund
About Us: This fund has been established to help close the ‘significant activity gap’ between people based on where they live, how affluent they are, their sex, ethnic background or whether they have a disability or long-term health condition. It will fund projects promoting physical activity, including active travel, walking, cycling, dance, fitness and sporting activities.
Criteria: There is particular interest in projects providing opportunities for groups facing barriers to activity, such as: people living on low incomes, disabled people or those with long-term health conditions, people from culturally diverse communities and LGBTQ+ people.
Grant Size: up to £15,000
SCVS Funding Support
Looking for Funding Support? If your group is planning to apply for funding, Slough CVS offers a range of support to help you succeed.
Funding Opportunities
- Our weekly e-newsletter highlights new funding opportunities for groups in Slough and the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead as well as news, training and features.
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Slough Groups
RBWM Groups - Current funding opportunities are available on this page and are categorised into Funding over £10,000, Funding under £10,000, Ongoing funding programme.
Training & Workshops
Slough CVS delivers a programme of training for the voluntary sector, helping organisations to grow and remain sustainable.
- Funding workshops run throughout the year
- One-to-one sessions with funders, giving you the opportunity to discuss your project ideas directly
View upcoming training and workshops on Eventbrite. Follow us to receive the latest training and events to your in-box.
One-to-One Funding Support
For more tailored assistance, our dedicated Funding Officer can provide:
- Support to identify suitable funding opportunities
- Guidance on developing and completing funding applications
Request one-to-one funding support – complete the enquiry form
FAQs
1. Is our group eligible to apply for funding?
Most funders support voluntary and community groups that deliver activities for the public benefit. Eligibility depends on the funder, but groups working with local communities in Slough or the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead are often eligible. If you’re unsure, Slough CVS can help you check.
2. Do we need to be a registered charity or CIO?
Not always. Many funders accept constituted community groups, social enterprises, or organisations with another suitable legal structure. However, some larger funders do require charity or CIO status.
3. Can new or unregistered groups apply for funding?
Yes — some funders support new or unregistered groups, particularly for small grants. These groups usually need a constitution and a bank account, or a host organisation. Slough CVS can advise on suitable options.
4. What can funding usually be used for?
Funding is commonly used for project costs such as:
- Staff or sessional worker costs
- Equipment and materials
- Venue hire
- Volunteer expenses
- Small running or core costs (depending on the funder)
Always check each funder’s guidance.
5. Before you apply, most funders will expect:
A constitution or governing document
A bank account in the group’s name
At least two (2) unrelated signatories
Clear project aims and beneficiaries
Basic safeguarding and equality policies
6. How much funding should we apply for?
Apply for the amount you genuinely need to deliver your project. Budgets should be realistic, clearly explained, and match your activities. Asking for less does not improve your chances if the project cannot be delivered properly.
7. How long does the application process take?
Small grant applications usually take a few weeks to prepare. Larger or more complex applications can take longer. It’s best to allow time to gather documents and develop your project plan.
8. How long does it take to hear back after applying?
Decision times vary:
- Small grants: around 6–12 weeks
- Larger grants: 3–6 months or more
Some funders may request additional information.
9. Can we apply to more than one funder at the same time?
Yes. Many groups apply to multiple funders, as long as each application is honest and clear about other funding requests or confirmed funding.
10. Why do funding applications get rejected?
Common reasons include:
- Unclear project aims or outcomes
- Weak link between need, activities, and impact
- Budgets that don’t match the project
- Missing policies or documents
- Not fully answering the questions
Rejection is common and does not mean future applications will fail.