Cambridgeshire County Council has announced that the next deadline for its Innovate and Cultivate Fund is 1 February 2022.
The aim of the fund is to support initiatives that strengthen our communities and reduce the pressure on County Council services, thereby giving a return on investment. For this round of funding, 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.
Pre-application advice
Organisations thinking about applying are strongly urged to seek pre-application advice on their project ideas before submitting an application. Telephone advice appointments for projects supporting vulnerable children, young people and families are being offered on 1 and 9 December. Appointments for projects supporting vulnerable adults are being offered on 14 and 16 December. These 15-minute appointments must be pre-booked and are available on a first come first served basis. Please book here.
Cultivate Project Ideas
Do you want to do something for your community but need some inspiration to start a project? Cambridgeshire County Council has developed application guidance for 7 Innovate and Cultivate project ideas – Mobile Warden Schemes, Community Youth Worker, Digital Inclusion, Timebanks, Good Neighbour Schemes, Dementia-Friendly Communities and Men’s Sheds – that can help people to remain independent and active within their community, encourage volunteering, and complement more costly Council services. You can find the 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 may be found on the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation (CCF) website.