Submit your application
- You can apply at any time – first check the eligibility criteria.
- If you need support, our free toolkits and resources will guide you through the process.
- For inspiration, take a look at some of our fantastic success stories.
How to apply to the Communities Fund
Helping local causes across the UK respond to the financial and climate challenges facing their communities with match funding and volunteering.
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How the Communities Fund works
Start raising funds
Create your project page and spread the word. The Communities Fund will match every individual donation you receive up to £250 – doubling £5 into £10 and £250 into £500 (subject to terms and conditions).
Make a positive impact
Reached your goal early? Show your supporters the difference they’ve made and set a stretch target if you want to keep fundraising.
If you need more help in the future, you’re welcome to apply again. The maximum amount an organisation can receive from the Communities Fund is £25,000 in a calendar year, which may be split across up to two projects.
Who can apply to the Communities Fund?
Use this checklist to help you work out if your organisation might be eligible for funding through the Communities Fund. Please see our terms and conditions and our full list of eligibility criteria to find out what type of projects can be funded.
- Is the project owner a UK resident and aged 18 years or older?
- Is the project owner an employee, volunteer, trustee, director or officer of the organisation with authority from the organisation to apply to the Fund?
- Is your organisation based in the UK and registered as a Charity; Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO); Community Interest Company (CIC); Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)?
- Has your organisation been operating for at least 12 months?
- Is your organisation’s annual income no more than £1 million (this can be averaged over the last two financial years as evidenced by information or documents submitted to the Charity Commission, HMRC, Companies House, or the Financial Conduct Authority)?
- Does your organisation use a UK bank account in its own name?
- If your organisation employs people, is it a Living Wage Employer?
- If your organisation supports children or vulnerable people, does it have a safeguarding policy?
- Does your organisation have an active board of trustees, directors or management body?
Supporting communities when it matters most: success stories
Kindness Homeless Street
Providing food, support and safety in Glasgow
Norwich FarmShare
Supplying vital veggies and nourishing the land in Norwich
The Archer Project
Helping The Archer Project rebuild lives in Sheffield
Help Bristol’s Homeless
Helping homeless people build their own future
We’re on hand to help every step
of the way
Join a crowdfunding webinar
Crowdfunder regularly host interactive sessions to share all the tips and know-how you need to be successful.
Visit the knowledge hub
The go-to place for advice and guidance to help you make your project a success, no matter what stage you’re at.
Tips for success
Projects with a video are more likely to be successful than those without. Here’s how to get it right.
Ready to apply to the Communities Fund?
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply/is eligible for the Aviva Communities Fund?
UK small charities, social enterprises, and local causes can apply to the Communities Fund to raise vital funds for projects supporting either climate action or financial wellbeing. We’re here to support communities when it matters most.
Check our eligibility criteria for full details.
How do I apply to the Communities Fund?
Identify if your organisation or project aligns with our themes of either climate action or financial wellbeing. Then explain simply and clearly how your project ties into the theme. You can explore current projects to see what they say about their cause and see success stories of projects that have been supported by the Communities Fund.
What kind of projects get approved for the Communities Fund?
Organisations or projects that support financial wellbeing or climate action are eligible to apply to the Communities Fund. These initiatives can be delivered by a wide range of charities and causes – including those working with children and young people, older people, health and mental health, disability, arts and culture, the environment, or community development.
Can I apply again if I was declined before?
Yes, you can reapply. Before submitting a new application, please carefully review the eligibility criteria to ensure your project meets all requirements. Please note: the maximum value an organisation can receive from the Communities Fund is £25,000 in a calendar year, which may be split across up to two projects.
Why are applications rejected?
We want as many eligible projects as possible to apply, but please be aware that the Communities Fund doesn’t support projects or applications that:
- don’t meet our eligibility criteria. Please see our terms and conditions for more detail.
- benefit a single individual.
- have an outcome that is only accessible to people of a particular faith or belief.
- are raising funds to provide people with cash grants or vouchers for goods/services.
Do you have any case studies of organisations that have had funding through the Communities Fund?
Yes, take a look at these success stories of projects that have made a difference with the support of the Communities Fund.
Will we still be eligible for Communities Fund match funding if we exceed our target?
Yes, you'll still be eligible for Communities Fund match funding even if you exceed your target. The match funding applies to eligible donations, regardless of whether your initial target has been surpassed.
How long will the Communities Fund match my donations for?
Communities Fund match funding is available for six weeks from when your crowdfunding project launches (if your crowdfunding project is live, then it will be available for six weeks from approval).