The next deadline for applications to Cambridgeshire County Council’s Innovate & Cultivate Fund is Thursday 1 August. A pre-application advice session will be held on Tuesday 18 June.

The fund supports initiatives that strengthen communities and reduce pressure on County Council services. There are two funding streams: a ‘Cultivate’ fund for smaller projects that build community support networks and an ‘Innovate’ fund for bigger, bolder and more innovative initiatives. Council services that are inviting applications include adult social care and children and families services. 

The council has developed new guidance on starting Cultivate ‘seed fund’ projects that can help people to remain independent and active within their community, encourage volunteering and complement more costly council services.  Projects include Timebanks, Good Neighbour Schemes, Dementia-Friendly Communities and Men’s Sheds.  See the council’swebpages for details.

The fund is open to voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations based in or outside Cambridgeshire, and public sector organisations in Cambridgeshire.

The deadline is Thursday 1 August for Cultivate grants (£2,000 – £19,000) and Innovate grants (£19,001 – £50,000). The next deadline is 1 November for Cultivate applications only and 1 February 2020 for both Cultivate and Innovate grant applications.

If you want to talk through your ideas before submitting your application, bookings are now open for an Innovate & Cultivate Fund Advice Session on Tuesday 18 June, 9:30AM-12:30PM at Huntingdon Youth Centre. Please book here.

Applications and further information about fund priorities and criteria may be found on the website. If you have any queries about the application advice sessions please email lianne.parrett@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.  Cambridgeshire Community Foundation can answer questions about applying for the Fund info@cambscf.org.uk.