Open Grants Programmes

The Cheshire Community Foundation Open Grants Programmes provide funding in three tiers to support local community organizations delivering projects that address critical issues in Cheshire and Warrington. The programme operates on a rolling basis throughout 2026 with multiple deadlines. Organizations can apply for Micro Grants (up to £1,000), Small Grants (up to £2,500), or Main Grants (up to £15,000 for salary support or £10,000 for non-salary projects). The programme prioritizes work in five key areas: tackling poverty and disadvantage, enabling stronger and more resilient communities, improving mental health and wellbeing, developing education skills and employment, and building awareness of climate change. Projects should address issues most important to the community and actively involve the people they serve. The Foundation uses a proportionate approach to grantmaking, with simpler application forms for smaller grants. Priority is given to applications supporting people in more deprived areas according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation, and Micro-Grants prioritize smaller organizations with no previous funding from the Foundation.