Voluntary Action in Waltham Forest: Helping Fund Grassroots Groups

I know funding is always an issue for local voluntary groups. As a new trustee of Voluntary Action Waltham Forest I hope to help ensure they get the support they need to access the resources available to them. With that in mind I wanted to pass on details of some non-local funds that have come to my attention recently to which groups in Walthamstow would be eligible.

•  Comic Relief's Disadvantaged Communities Fund is for grassroots organisations in areas affected by poverty. It tends to fund projects that are small in scale i.e. estate wide rather than borough wide, and those working with groups who are user or volunteer led that have a constitution. 
•  B&Q Better Neighbourhoods Scheme is available to help get a community project up and running. The scheme provides £50 to £500 (at retail cost) of B&Q materials, for example, pond liners, plants or peat-free compost for projects such as a pond/wildlife garden. Schools, community groups and charitable organisations can apply to their local B&Q store for funding to support a local community project. 
•  The Co-operative Community Fund is eligible for groups within Walthamstow because we have co-operative retail shops here. Groups can apply for small grants of £100 to £5000 for charitable purposes that are in line with co-operative values. 

If you're a group working in a local park or green space you might also find the following website a useful resource of information on funding sources for your activities.