The Eric Wright Charitable Trust program provides funding of up to* £1,000 to support local organizations in the VCF sector that promote activity to address; locality community cohesion, reduce social isolation and make a positive difference to the lives and wellbeing of people of all ages.

This information has been compiled by Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) on behalf of LACVS who have been appointed by Eric Wright Charitable Trust to deliver a community small grants programme.

With match funding from Wyre Council for that part which is to be distributed in Wyre

Who can apply to the Grant Programme? 

The grants are being made available to community projects in Wyre or Fylde. There is a strong focus for small grassroots groups that are providing effective community cohesion programmes. 

  • Turnover for your organisation should be less than £30,000 – organisations that have a turnover above £30,000 per annum will not be considered.
  • There will be no appeals or deferred applications – applications will be either successful or unsuccessful. Unsuccessful applications will receive limited feedback. If unsuccessful you may apply again in further rounds (subject to available funds).
  • New groups This funding proactively encourages small groups or new start up groups to pilot their ideas. As long as you are working with VCBWF to develop your group, you will be eligible to apply.

Projects should strongly support specific local needs in the following key areas:

  • Increasing opportunities to participate in local community action and activity.
  • Keeping people well and feeling part of their community.
  • Increasing resilience and improving mental wellbeing, enabling individuals and families to cope well, overcome barriers to achieving their potential and increase their skills.
  • Support people who are more vulnerable, such as those with long term conditions, who are frail and/or have complex needs.
  • Promoting greater partnership working between the community and services, and other VCF organisations
  • Reduce social isolation, with a positive impact on health and wellbeing.

*How much money can groups apply for? 

There are three tiers to the funding:

  • Grassroots grants – up to £250.00: for un-constituted community groups that are working with Volunteer Centre Blackpool Wyre & Fylde (VCBWF) and the LACVS LOCAL project to help achieve their community engagement activities / events.
  • Community grants – up to £500.00: for constituted community groups.
  • Longer-term community grants – up to £1000:  for constituted community groups who are proposing to deliver a project of 12 weeks or longer.

VCBWF will help support groups through the application process if required. All funds awarded must be spent by 30th September 2025.

What can’t be funded?

  • Activities that promote political and religious messages.
  • Activities that commence or equipment purchased prior to confirmation of grant funding approval.
  • There is a maximum of 15% spend on capital equipment. Any capital equipment must be 100% related to the delivery of the project. This grant is for delivery community activities / events / services.
  • Contribution to core costs / management costs. This small grant programme is for direct community delivery.

For Further Information & To Apply

Please download the Guidance and Application Form here >> EWCT + Small Grants Wyre & Fylde

Submitting your application

You can submit your application via email though you will need to post the signed original of the form to:

Lynn Saggerson,
Volunteer Centre, Blackpool Wyre & Fylde
95 Abingdon Street
Blackpool
FY1 1PP

For further advice and guidance in completing an application contact: 

Email: enquiries@volunteercentrebwf.org.uk

Tel:      01253 301004

Deadlines

There are no deadlines for this funding – awards are made on a first, come, first served basis – when it’s gone, it’s gone.