The next deadline for applications to Cambridgeshire County Council’s Innovate & Cultivate Fund is Saturday 1 May 2021.

One-to-one pre-application advice will be available on Thursday 18 March and Tuesday 23 March.

The fund supports initiatives that strengthen communities and reduce pressure on County Council services, and the Council is looking for a return on investment. Council services that are inviting applications are adult social care and children’s services. 

The fund is open to voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations based in and outside of Cambridgeshire, and public sector organisations in Cambridgeshire. Please note that projects serving Peterborough residents are not eligible.

This funding round is for ‘Cultivate’ grant applications (£2,000-£15,000) for projects that build community support networks for vulnerable people.  The ‘Innovate’ funding stream (£15,000-£50,000) is suspended until further notice.

Pre-application advice

The Council strongly advises organisations to seek advice before submitting an application.  Bookings are now open for telephone advice appointments on Thursday 18 March and Tuesday 23 March.  These fifteen-minute one-to-one appointments must be pre-booked and are available on a first come first served basis. Please book here.

Cultivate Project Ideas

The Council has developed application guidance for three new Cultivate project ideas – Mobile Warden Schemes, Community Youth Worker and Digital Inclusion Projects – that can help people to remain independent and active within their community, encourage volunteering and complement more costly Council services. The Council also continues to invite applications for Timebanks, Good Neighbour Schemes, Dementia-Friendly Communities and Men’s Sheds. You can find guidance on how to apply for a start-up grant for each of these projects here. 

Applications and further information about fund priorities and criteria can be found on the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation (CCF) website.