Empowering Community Initiatives: Warburtons Announces New Funding Cycle for Family and Children Projects

Warburtons, a renowned bakery brand deeply rooted in community support, has announced the opening of its latest funding opportunity under the Community Grants Programme. This initiative is designed to empower not-for-profit organisations with micro-grants of up to £400, specifically targeting projects that aim to benefit children and families. As part of a broader financial aid programme, these grants are integral in addressing critical social issues and enhancing health, place, or skills within communities across the UK.

The programme is meticulously structured in partnership with the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) to ensure that support is extended to genuinely charitable organisations, facilitating a tangible social impact. Warburtons’ financial assistance is distributed through three main channels: Community Grants, Development Grants, and Project Grants, each with distinct eligibility criteria, grant limits, and application processes.

Community Grants Programme Overview

Eligibility and Deadlines: The Community Grants are accessible to organisations in England, Scotland, and Wales, aiming to distribute grants with a quarterly deadline. The imminent deadline for application submissions is 7th May, making it an urgent call to action for interested parties.

Grant Details:

• Community Grants: Open to not-for-profit organisations across England, Scotland, and Wales, offering up to £400 with quarterly application deadlines.
• Development Grants: Available to registered charities and CICs within 15 miles of a Warburtons depot, providing up to £3,000. The application is by invitation, with the next grants scheduled for 2025.
• Project Grants: Targeting registered charities and CICs near Warburtons’ bakeries or depots, these grants range from £10,000 to £20,000, awarded biennially and also through an invitation-only process.

Application Process and Key Dates:

Organisations interested in applying for the Community Grants must do so before the designated quarterly deadlines. Decisions are communicated within six weeks post-deadline. Below are the important dates for the upcoming grant cycles:

Grant Cycle	Programme Opens	Deadline for Applications	Decisions Communicated By
Q1	9 Aug 2023	6 Nov 2023	15 Dec 2023
Q2	8 Nov 2023	5 Feb 2024	15 Mar 2024
Q3	7 Feb 2024	7 May 2024	14 Jun 2024
Q4	9 May 2024	5 Aug 2024	13 Sep 2024

How to Apply:

The application for Community Grants is facilitated through an online form, supported by CAF and their supplier Blackbaud, ensuring a streamlined and secure process. Applicants not registered as UK charities will undergo a verification process to confirm their charitable status, managed by CAF.

As of today, 19 February 2024, with the next application deadline on 7 May 2024 rapidly approaching, Warburtons encourages not-for-profit organisations to apply promptly to leverage this opportunity. The Warburtons Community Grants Programme underscores the brand’s dedication to fostering community well-being, offering a vital resource for organisations striving to make a significant impact on the lives of children and families throughout the UK.