Berkshire Community Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £1.17 million (2023-24)
• Success Rate: Highly competitive - receives many more applications than funding available
• Decision Time: 2-3 months
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £10,000 (typically £5,000 average)
• Geographic Focus: Berkshire, UK

Contact Details

Website: www.berkshirecf.org

Email: info@berkshirecf.org

Phone: 01189 303021

Address: Berkshire Community Foundation, Arlington Business Park, Reading, Berkshire

For grant enquiries: grants@berkshirecf.org

Overview

Berkshire Community Foundation (charity number 1155173) was established to help organisations and individuals make a lasting impact in the local community by raising funds to build a permanent source of funding for small voluntary groups that tackle need at grassroots level. Under the leadership of CEO Gerry Lejeune OBE (appointed 2016), the foundation has grown significantly, hitting £1 million in annual grant giving in 2018 for the first time. In 2023-24, the foundation distributed £1.17 million in grants supporting 173 local charities and voluntary groups, running 229 community projects that touched the lives of 237,930 people. Since inception, BCF has distributed over £19 million in grants across Berkshire. In June 2021, Gerry was appointed Deputy Lieutenant by the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, recognizing her significant contribution to the community.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Vital for Berkshire Fund (main programme): £5,000 maximum

• Rolling programme with fixed deadlines (typically spring and autumn rounds)
• Online application via foundation website
• Supports vital community needs including health, vulnerable groups, isolation, poverty, and equal opportunities

Give a Child a Chance Fund: Up to £5,000 for groups; £1,000 for individuals

• Supports children up to age 18 (or 25 with Special Educational Needs)
• Focus on education, development, and opportunity

Funds for Older People: Up to £5,000

• Beneficiaries must be aged 65 and over
• Opens with specific application windows (e.g., May-June)
• Decisions communicated by end of August

Three Community Grassroots Fund: Up to £10,000

• Specifically for groups in Windsor and Maidenhead working with young people

Carers Fund: Up to £6,000

• Supporting projects that help unpaid carers

Priority Areas

BCF actively funds projects addressing:

• Physical and mental health
• Supporting young and vulnerable people or groups
• Combating isolation and loneliness
• Tackling poverty and disadvantage
• Offering equal opportunities for all
• Strengthening communities at grassroots level
• Supporting the most disadvantaged in the community

What They Don't Fund

• National charities (unless operating a specific local Berkshire branch)
• Medical research projects
• Conservation of plants or animal welfare projects
• Applications without required supporting documentation
• Work duplicating services already provided by other groups

Ready to write a winning application for Berkshire Community Foundation?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.

Get Free Beta Access

Governance and Leadership

Key Personnel

CEO: Gerry Lejeune OBE - Appointed permanent CEO in January 2016, awarded OBE in 2011, appointed Deputy Lieutenant in June 2021. Gerry has stated: “I am delighted to be confirmed in post as CEO of this wonderful organisation that helps so many charities across Berkshire addressing areas of need that quite often go unnoticed.”

Community Impact Manager: Ellie (joined February 2022)

Chair of Trustees: Stephen Howard

Board of Trustees

Current trustees include Dr Raj Arora, Lindsey Beard JP DL, Shirley Bradbeer, Nick Burrows (Chairman of Blandy & Blandy solicitors), Julie Elliott, Margaret Haines MVO, Jackie Henshaw, Sir Philip May, Christian Martin, Paul Norris, and Sue Roberts.

Vice Presidents

Graham Barker Vice Lord Lieutenant, Dr Richard Bennett, Lord Brownlow CVO DL, Chris Dodson OBE DL, Lady Elizabeth Godsal MBE DL, Willie Hartley Russell MVO DL, Harry Henderson DL, The Rt Hon the Lord Iliffe DL, Sir Hugh Stevenson, Lady Catherine Stevenson DL, and Sean Taylor DL.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

• Application Method: Online application forms via berkshirecf.org
• Application Schedule: Rolling basis with fixed deadlines for each funding round
• Pre-Application Support: Resources and guidance available on website; foundation holds Community Focus events covering the entire grants application process

Required Documentation

All first-time applicants must submit:

• Completed online application form
• Governing Document/Constitution
• Latest Annual Accounts
• Recent Bank Statement
• Safeguarding Policy
• Equality and Diversity Policy
• Strongly Recommended: Letter of Recommendation validating work/performance from organizations such as local Centre for Voluntary Services, Local Authority, beneficiary, or fellow charity

Decision Timeline

• Application Period: Typically 4-6 weeks for each funding round
• Decision Timeline: 2-3 months from deadline
• Notification Method: Email notification
• Example: Spring 2025 round closed January 16, decisions communicated March 2025
• Example: Funds for Older People closing June 19, decisions communicated end of August

Success Rates

BCF receives many more applications than available funding and cannot guarantee success of any application. During COVID-19 crisis (2020), the foundation met weekly and distributed over £1.5 million to nearly 200 charities and community groups, demonstrating their capacity to respond to urgent community need. Competition is high given limited funds and broad eligibility.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants not publicly stated. Organizations are encouraged to contact BCF for feedback and guidance on reapplying.

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Looks For

BCF provides specific guidance on what their grants panel considers when reviewing applications:

• Clear Evidence of Need: Demonstrate genuine community need without duplicating existing services
• Beneficiary Focus: Priority given to projects supporting the most disadvantaged in the community
• Clear and Achievable Outcomes: Specific, measurable outcomes that show real impact
• Community Benefit: Projects must provide demonstrable benefit to Berkshire communities
• Financial Viability: Sound financial planning and realistic budgets
• Proper Governance: Strong governing documents and appropriate policies in place

Recent Successful Projects

COVID-19 Response:

• Slough Council for Voluntary Service: £200,000+ for essential local aid including food supplies, mental health support, and care for elderly/vulnerable
• The Link Foundation: £25,000 for tackling food poverty, purchasing fridge freezers, laptops, and washing machines for vulnerable families
• Slough Job Creation Hub: £20,000 for Career Transition Programme helping people affected by pandemic job losses

Youth and Community:

• Beat Routes: Funding for apprenticeship scheme helping six young people annually through music and creative workshops in Slough
• Berkshire Youth: £10,000 towards running costs supporting youth leaders and leisure activities
• The Beehive Foundation: £4,410 to run 48 sessions reaching 105+ children from deprived areas in Slough

Community Support:

• Slough Refugee Support: £5,500 for 'Transforming Lives' project improving life skills, education, employability and social inclusion
• Food4Families: £8,000 for Community Navigators urban gardening project promoting food production and healthier lifestyles

Application Tips

• Complete All Documentation: Applications without required supporting information by closing date will not be considered
• Seek Letters of Recommendation: For first-time applicants especially, validation letters significantly strengthen applications
• Use Clear Language: Demonstrate impact in straightforward terms that show how funds will address community need
• Show Local Knowledge: BCF values understanding of local Berkshire issues and communities
• Attend Information Sessions: BCF holds Community Focus events to help applicants understand the process and maximize success chances
• Utilize Resources: Review the foundation's resources for grant applicants on their website

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Focus on Disadvantage: BCF prioritizes supporting the most disadvantaged in Berkshire communities - make this connection explicit in applications
• Be Geographically Specific: Must demonstrate clear benefit to Berkshire residents; national organizations need local Berkshire presence
• Prepare Documentation Early: Ensure all governance documents, policies, and financial statements are current and ready before application deadline
• Average £5,000 Grants: While some programmes offer up to £10,000, typical awards are around £5,000 - budget accordingly
• Plan for Timeline: Allow 2-3 months from deadline for decision-making; don't apply if funding is needed urgently
• Leverage Local Partnerships: Letters of recommendation from respected local organizations strengthen credibility significantly
• Demonstrate Clear Outcomes: Grants panel looks for specific, measurable results that show genuine community impact
• Highly Competitive: With many more applications than available funding, applications must be exceptionally strong and well-evidenced

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• THE CHILDWICK TRUST
• The Rayne Foundation
• THE SCREWFIX FOUNDATION
• The Shanly Foundation
• THE BRIDGE TRUST
• The Pargiter Trust
• DORIS FIELD CHARITABLE TRUST
• Souter Charitable Trust
• The Edward Gostling Foundation
• THE FEBRUARY FOUNDATION
• National Lottery
• THE EARLEY CHARITY
• THE INVESCO CARES FOUNDATION
• THE PRINCE PHILIP TRUST FUND
• THE AMMCO TRUST
• HOME TRUST
• Parish Council

References

1. Berkshire Community Foundation website - Available Funding page: https://www.berkshirecf.org/available-funding/ (Accessed 13 October 2025)
2. Berkshire Community Foundation - Vital for Berkshire Fund: https://www.berkshirecf.org/available-funding/vital-for-berkshire-fund/ (Accessed 13 October 2025)
3. Berkshire Community Foundation - Who Can Apply: https://www.berkshirecf.org/who-can-apply/ (Accessed 13 October 2025)
4. Berkshire Community Foundation - Resources for Grant Applicants: https://www.berkshirecf.org/resources-grant-applicants/ (Accessed 13 October 2025)
5. Berkshire Community Foundation - Meet the Team: https://www.berkshirecf.org/meet-the-team/ (Accessed 13 October 2025)
6. Berkshire Community Foundation - Meet Our Trustees: https://www.berkshirecf.org/about/meet-our-trustees/ (Accessed 13 October 2025)
7. Charity Commission Register - Berkshire Community Foundation (1155173): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1155173&subid=0 (Accessed 13 October 2025)
8. Berkshire Community Foundation - Case Studies (Various projects): https://www.berkshirecf.org/case-studies/ (Accessed 13 October 2025)
9. Berkshire Community Foundation - Gerry Lejeune OBE appointment announcement: https://www.berkshirecf.org/news/gerry-lejeune-obe-appointed-bcf-chief-executive/ (Accessed 13 October 2025)
10. Reading Voluntary Action - Berkshire Community Foundation profile: https://rva.org.uk/organisation/berkshirecommunityfo/ (Accessed 13 October 2025)