Unlocking Funding Opportunities for Social Enterprises in Swindon and Wiltshire

Social enterprises in Swindon and Wiltshire play a crucial role in addressing social and environmental challenges, but accessing funding can often be a significant hurdle. At the Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub, we are committed to supporting these enterprises by connecting them with relevant funding opportunities. Our team of Business Navigators is here to help you navigate the funding landscape and find the right support for your initiatives.

Here is just a sample of the funding opportunities currently available:

1. The Grocers' Charity Grant

The Grocers' Charity offers one-off grants to small UK registered charities for work in areas such as relief of poverty, disability and inclusion, the elderly, health, military, environment and conservation, and the arts and heritage. This fund is ideal for social enterprises working to empower those who experience homelessness, provide services to end social exclusion for the elderly, or support people with well-being concerns or mental health illnesses.

2. Hays Travel Foundation

The Hays Travel Foundation provides grants to registered charities and local causes that help young people achieve their potential. This funding is intended for projects that operate in areas where Hays Travel has a branch and focus on education, prevention of poverty, health, arts, culture, or sports. Social enterprises working with young people up to 25 years of age can benefit from this support.

3. Groundwork - One Stop Community Partnership Programme

This programme supports not-for-profit organisations with local community projects that address social welfare and environmental issues. Grants of up to £1,000 are available, along with a long-term tailored programme of support from the One Stop Community Team and One Stop Store Team. This is an excellent opportunity for social enterprises tackling food poverty, supporting the vulnerable, or improving the environment.

4. Wiltshire Community Foundation - Community Grants

The Wiltshire Community Foundation offers grants to local or regional not-for-profit organisations working in Wiltshire or Swindon. The funding is intended for projects focused on disadvantaged members of the community, including support for children and young people, prevention or alleviation of poor mental health, and tackling poverty and inequality.

5. UnLtd - Awards for Social Entrepreneurs

UnLtd provides funding and specialist support for UK social entrepreneurs to help them develop as social leaders and grow their social ventures. The programme offers two levels of funding: up to £8,000 for start-up ventures and up to £18,000 for scaling up existing social enterprises. This is a great opportunity for social entrepreneurs committed to delivering local, regional, or national social impact.

If you are a social enterprise in Swindon or Wiltshire, we have over 8,500 funds in our database and are keen to conduct a tailored search to find the best funding opportunities for you. Please contact our team of Business Navigators. They can help you access the support you need to make a difference in your community.