West of England Rural Network (WERN)
At a glance
Key takeaways
- WERN's stated themes are rural community development and cost-of-living hardship, so a locally led project in those areas fits its work, and it names North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, and Bristol and South Gloucestershire as its priority area.
- Its annual report records grants to local community organisations and individuals, and it awarded £162,365 in its most recent year, but no grant range is stated, so size your request to your own project.
- No application process is published, so contact the funder using the contact shown in its annual report, register entry or website before you submit anything.
- The annual report does not say how competitive it is or whether relationships matter, so ask early and allow time for a reply.
- If your need is for re-building or refurbishing a community building with a temporary gap in funding, its loan fund may suit you, as loans of up to £20,000 are usually available.
Overview
West of England Rural Network (WERN) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charity number 1146165).
West of England Rural Network (WERN) is a registered charity that exists to facilitate sustainable, resilient and inclusive rural communities where everyone can thrive across the West of England region. It encourages and supports locally led initiatives, and its annual report records grants to local community organisations and individuals affected by the cost of living crisis. Its loan fund helps community buildings complete re-building or refurbishment works where there are temporary gaps in funding, and it awarded £162,365 in its most recent year.
What they fund
Priority Areas
WERN says it facilitates sustainable, resilient and inclusive rural communities across the West of England by encouraging and supporting locally led initiatives. It brings people together and builds on each community’s strengths, helping them focus on local needs and take part in decision-making and change. Its community development page describes support for a wide range of projects and practical, community-led solutions. The annual report records grants to local community organisations and individuals affected by the cost of living crisis. Its stated approach is collaborative and community-centred, pairing locally led project support with grant-making for community organisations.
Themes
- Rural community development
- Cost-of-living hardship
Geographic Focus
Priority: West of England: North Somerset County, Bath and North East Somerset County, Bristol and South Gloucestershire County in United Kingdom.
How to apply
No application process is published in the charity's annual report, its register entry or its website. The contact shown is for getting in touch.
Where they fund
Where it says it funds
Similar funders
Funders supporting work similar to West of England Rural Network (WERN).
Grants
The largest grants to organisations in this funder’s latest annual report:
- The Big Lemon CIC£150,692year to 31 March 2025
- Hawkesbury Parish Council£4,238year to 31 March 2025
- East Harptree Parish Council£3,406year to 31 March 2025
- Freshford Parish Council£3,359year to 31 March 2025
Grant examples taken from the funder’s filed accounts. Not included above: 1 line covering other, unnamed recipients (£670).
Five years of accounts
| Financial year | Income | Expenditure | Grants paid | Accounts document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| year to 31 March 2021 | £275,198 | £238,145 | — | Accounts for year to 31 March 2021 |
| year to 31 March 2022 | £392,285 | £270,584 | — | Accounts for year to 31 March 2022 |
| year to 31 March 2023 | £405,897 | £372,202 | — | Accounts for year to 31 March 2023 |
| year to 31 March 2024 | £337,335 | £406,321 | — | Accounts for year to 31 March 2024 |
| year to 31 March 2025 | £527,336 | £577,816 | £162,365 | Accounts for year to 31 March 2025 |
- Grants paid, year to 31 March 2025: grants awarded in the year, as reported in the accounts.
Figures from the charity’s filed accounts and its register entry. The document icon links to the charity’s entry on the Charity Commission register, where its filed accounts can be found.
Sources
Registers and filings
Other sources
- wern.org.uk
- wern.org.uk/our-mission · read on 23 October 2026
- wern.org.uk/community-development · read on 23 October 2026
- wern.org.uk/rural-community-building-loan-fund · read on 23 October 2026
- wern.org.uk/contact · read on 23 October 2026
- Annual report (year to 31 March 2025)
This profile draws on the funder’s own website as well as its filed accounts.
Sources last checked on 23 October 2026.
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At a glance
Applying to West of England Rural Network (WERN)?
Hinchilla drafts your answers around this funder's priorities, using your organisation's own documents.
No credit card required
Applying to West of England Rural Network (WERN)?
Hinchilla drafts your answers around this funder's priorities, using your organisation's own documents.
No credit card required