Introduction – overview of the funding
With the cost of living crisis continuing to put pressure on charities, BCF recognise that organisations need more support than ever to manage rising costs and keep vital services running through the colder months.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible to apply for a grant, your charity, community group or voluntary organisation must be improving the lives of disadvantaged people in Berkshire and fit the following criteria:
- Be a not-for-profit, voluntary or community group, social enterprise/CIC or registered charity
- Have a Governing Document (Constitution/Set of Rules)
- Have a Management Committee/Board of Trustees
- Have a bank account in the name of the group, with a minimum of two unrelated cheque signatories
- Be able to provide up-to-date accounts
- Have returned evaluation forms for any previously received grants
- Have safeguarding and equality policies which comply with current legislation
- Be helping the disadvantaged and provide a benefit to the community with clear and achievable outcomes
- Provide evidence there is a need for your work and must not be duplicating the work of other groups and organisations
- Have an itemised budget
What are the funder priorities?
Priority will be given to organisations supporting the most vulnerable, including:
- Babies and children
- Young people
- Older people
- People with disabilities
- Those with life-limiting illnesses
When reviewing applications, the following is taken in to consideration:
- Project matches the fund’s criteria
- Project timelines
- Outstanding monitoring reports
How much can organisations apply for?
Grants of up to £2,500.
What the funding can be used for
Funding from this round can only be used to help with energy bills to ensure organisations can stay open and continue serving their communities this winter.
Is there a deadline?
Yes, 10am on Thursday 30th October 2025.
Applicants will be informed of the Grants Committee’s decisions in December 2025.
How to apply and further support
- First complete the eligibility quiz at the bottom of this link. If you meet the criteria of the fund you will receive a link to our funding portal.
- Further guidance is also available on their website here.
- For further support from RVA with preparing your application, your governance, legal structure or your policies and procedures required for this funding, contact Herjeet Vass at herjeet.vass@rva.org.uk.