Grant support for community groups and organisations to work on local projects that help make Exeter such a great place to live.

The Exeter Grants Programme aims to support groups and organisations to use their passion, skills, experience and knowledge to work together to make a difference in their community and create change by supporting projects that:

• Help people to help themselves and each other
• Build on the strengths of people and communities
• Connect people and organisations within and across communities

The Exeter Grants Programme will support projects that have a focus on one or more of our 7 priority themes which are to:

1. Address Inequalities 
2. Improve Health and Wellbeing 
3. Get People Active 
4. Support Communities Working Together to Address Local Needs 
5. Encourage Volunteering 
6. Improve Where We Live
7. Support community-based arts and cultural activities

There are a number of funds with different criteria and amounts available so please read the description of each type of fund carefully before applying to give you the best chance of success. If you are in any doubt as to which grant to apply for, then please contact us by email at grants@exeter.gov.uk, or Exeter Connect on info@exeterconnect.org.uk. 

Exeter Connect offers the support of experienced Development Workers who can provide advice and support in making successful grant applications. They can help to ensure that you have the policies you need and evidence to support your application, as well as helping new groups to become constituted. They are also able to hold small funds for one off projects or new groups who do not have their own bank account.

Please note- We will share grant applications with Exeter Connect in case they can offer any support either to the grants team at the council or to the applicant with any aspect of your application.  Please make contact with Exeter Connect for any information in preparing your application at info@exeterconnect.org.uk. 

Small Grants Fund

From April 2022 £50,000 will be available to support projects and activities taking place across multiple wards or across the city. Groups can apply for up to £2,000 to support your activities.

The first panel meeting will be in May. There are no closing dates as applications received will be forwarded to the panel each month.

Large Grants Fund

From April 2022 £60,000 will be available to support arts, community and voluntary sector groups to apply for a grant of up to £10,000 to pay towards building or refurbishment costs or the purchase of equipment.

Community Buildings Fund

Community Organisations will be able to apply for a grant for a maximum of £5,000 for one year to contribute to the annual running costs of your community centre or organisation. This fund is for everyday running costs of community buildings such as wages, utility bills and rent.  £80,000 pa is available in this fund.

Our COVID-19 Community Action Fund report is available to download