Communitybuilders

© CABE

Communitybuilders is a joint programme between the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) and the Office of the Third Sector. It is a £70m investment fund which takes forward a commitment within the Communities in Control: real people, real power White Paper to build more cohesive, empowered and active communities.

Purpose

Communitybuilders will invest in the sustainability of community-led organisations that act as a platform for empowering local communities through the provision of facilities, services, and ensuring financial stability.

Applications

  • A development package: Bespoke business support based on an initial needs assessment and leadership grants of £2,000 for staff development and training. Each investee will be assigned a Supporter who will lead them through an honest exploration of the health of the organisation; help develop foundations around governance, financial systems, and leadership as well as core functions.
  • A feasibility package: Further business support of up to 5 days and grants of up to £20,000 to use towards project development of a growth plan. Grants of up to £75,000 and 30 days of support will be available for larger projects.
  • Investment packages: Investees who are ready to develop, grow and expand their role within the community. Investment will consist primarily of loans between £50,000 and £2,000,000 offered at 5% for an initial three year period of a ten year loan term. Investments can be used for property and asset investment: loans or grants for property purchase, development or refurbishment.

Applicants will be expected to meet all of the following criteria. You will:

  • be based and working in England
  • operate at a neighbourhood level
  • be locally controlled with local people or representatives of local groups responsible for making decisions on priorities, staffing and spending
  • be multi-purpose and inclusive of all sections of their community,
  • be an organisation
  • be seeking to empower its community through multi-purpose community development and stimulating community led action.
  • be able to plan and deliver sustainable community-based enterprise activity which is capable of delivering social benefit to the community
  • have a track record of providing services for the local community

Background research and further advice

CLG, Communities in Control: real people, real power White Paper, 2008
Communitybuilders fund