New funding pot boosts Cotswold Food Network’s Small Grants programme

Now, even more groups will be able to benefit, thanks to an additional £10,000 being added to the fund.

The additional £10,000 builds on the programme's original £20,000 funding, which has already supported a wide range of community projects, bringing the total investment in the Small Grants Programme to £30,000.

Launched in August 2025, the Small Grants Programme is designed to support not-for-profit organisations delivering projects that improve food equity and benefit local communities, particularly those that may not require large-scale funding and may be unable to access more mainstream funding opportunities.

The programme has already supported a range of local initiatives, including cooking classes for young people, hot meals for people experiencing homelessness, and shared meal projects helping socially isolated adults to build connections within their communities.

Councillor Paul Evans, cabinet member for health and communities, said: “This additional £10,000 means we can go further in supporting the incredible community organisations that make such a difference across the Cotswold district.

“Small, local projects are often the ones that have the biggest impact on people’s lives, and this funding helps ensure those groups aren’t overlooked simply because they don’t fit traditional funding models.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for community groups to access support, and this expansion reflects our continued commitment to strengthening local resilience and wellbeing.”

The fund is intentionally flexible, with applications welcomed from a wide range of community-led initiatives. While its primary aim is to improve food equity across the Cotswold district, the focus is on supporting activity that delivers clear and tangible benefits to local people.

To make this grant available to all types of organisations we do have options should you not be a constituted organisation with your own bank account. Equally if you do not have a safeguarding policy or public liability insurance in place, we will endeavour to support you with that process.

Grants are available for requests typically between £100 and £2,000, with the aim of ensuring funding reaches smaller organisations and community groups that might otherwise be unable to access support.

Applications are now open. Full details and the application form can be accessed via the Cotswold Food Network Small Grants webpage.

For enquiries about the grant, contact: [email protected]