Warmth and Wonder Fund
Fund details & criteria
Fund purpose
Culture Mile BID Community Fund 2026 Season of Giving: Warmth & Wonder / Giving Light A rapid-response winter fund supporting vulnerable communities through practical relief, cultural connection, care and joy. The need • Rising cost-of-living pressures • Increased fuel and food insecurity • Growing social isolation • Overstretched grassroots organisations Winter is a critical moment for visible, place-based leadership. What the fund will support We are seeking applications from grassroots organisations for small, fast-turnaround grants supporting: • Warm spaces and community meals • Winter essentials • Creative workshops and festive cultural activities • Intergenerational and community-cohesion initiatives Priority communities • Low-income families • Older people experiencing isolation • Young people at risk • Socially isolated communities • People experiencing homelessness • Disabled people facing additional winter challenges Delivery will be locally embedded and designed for immediate impact. Who can apply? • Registered charities or charitable incorporated organisations • Charitable companies or social enterprises • Community interest companies (CICs) • Businesses that are not-for-profit and do not have share capital • Schools • Community groups Key information We fund charities that are based in the Culture Mile BID area or projects that will directly benefit people living or working in the Culture Mile BID area (please see map). In some cases, we may also consider organisations or projects that fall just outside this footprint. Key dates and grant information • Total fund: £10,000 • Minimum grant: £250 • Maximum award: £1000 • Fund launch date: Friday 2nd October 2026 • Application deadline: Monday 2nd November 2026 • Location: Culture Mile BID footprint • Project completion deadline: January 2027 What we don’t fund • Retrospective costs or projects that have already started • Political or for-profit activities What proposals should demonstrate • Improve people’s lives and have a positive wider impact on the local community and society • Clearly identify the target audience and expected number of beneficiaries • Include a well-developed project plan and be ready to start • Represent value for money • Provide a clear breakdown of the budget and costs Application limit: Only one application per non-profit may be submitted to this fund.
