Community Funding Policy
- About this policy
This policy applies to WGC Foundation, incorporated in England and Wales and registered as a not-for-profit foundation. The Foundation’s charitable objects are restricted specifically to furthering such charitable purposes (charitable under English law) as the trustees see fit from time to time. The Foundation is governed by its Trustees, who have a duty at all times to act in the best interests of the Foundation, applying its assets to advance its charitable objects. The Trustees hold ultimate responsibility for all grant-making decisions. The purpose of this policy is to provide information about the Foundation’s community grant process for external organisations wishing to apply.
- Community grant guidelines
The Foundation provides grants starting from £500. The amount awarded will depend on the strength of the application, the scale of impact, and available funds. Applicants must be a registered charity, community organisation, or not-for-profit body. Applications must demonstrate how the grant will deliver clear and measurable benefit to the wider community. Applications for funding beyond this threshold may be considered at the discretion of the Trustees, particularly where exceptional community impact can be demonstrated.The Foundation reserves the right to request evidence of how awarded funds have been applied, including financial records, receipts, and project impact reports. This verification process is compulsory to ensure transparency and the integrity of the programme. Approved funds will be transferred directly to the applicant organisation’s nominated bank account. Grants will normally be paid within 60 days of the decision date.
Applicants must be formally constituted organisations with a governing body or equivalent. They must be able to demonstrate alignment with the Foundation’s objectives of supporting people, communities, and sustainability. Applications from individuals will not be considered. Organisations may submit a maximum of two successful applications within a financial year. Repeat applications for the same project will only be considered where clear evidence of progress and outcomes can be demonstrated.
The Foundation will provide grants for activities that solely benefit one individual, political or religious campaigning, costs that should be met from statutory funding, or retrospective funding (projects already completed).
- How to apply
Applications can be made by completing the Community Grant Application Form on the WGC Foundation website. Applications must include details of the organisation, information about the project or initiative, a breakdown of how the funding will be used, and the anticipated outcomes and community impact. - How we make decisions about grants
Applications can be submitted at any time and are typically reviewed on a monthly basis. Decisions are made by the Board of Trustees, who may seek further clarification from applicants if required. Applicants should ensure their application is clear, comprehensive, and demonstrates measurable community impact. Applicants will receive timely and transparent communication regarding the outcome of their application. The Foundation remains flexible in adapting decision criteria to reflect evolving community priorities and strives to make the community grant process accessible, supportive, and straightforward.