Community organisations and voluntary groups across South Gloucestershire are being encouraged to apply for a new grant to help support families become more financially resilient and better connected to local support.
South Gloucestershire Council is making £100,000 available through the Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund to create a localised grant which will be called the Helping Families Thrive Fund.
Grants of between £500 and £5,000 are available to eligible organisations.
The funding aims to support projects that help families develop practical skills, access support during financial hardship and strengthen their wellbeing through community connections.
Volunteer groups, charities, town and parish councils, and parent teacher associations (PTAs) are all eligible to apply.
Grants can be used to deliver activities that help families:
- Improve budgeting and money management skills
- Prepare healthy, affordable meals
- Reduce food waste and household costs
- Take part in community activities that reduce isolation and improve wellbeing
- Connect with local support networks and services
- Access essential items or resources during periods of financial hardship.
The council is keen to support a wide range of projects that respond to local needs. Examples could include cooking classes, budgeting workshops, school uniform exchanges, community cafés, peer support groups and initiatives that help families access practical advice and resources. Innovative ideas that deliver positive outcomes for residents are also encouraged.
The funding programme forms part of the council’s wider commitment to supporting residents through cost of living challenges and helping build stronger, more resilient communities across South Gloucestershire.
Councillor Alison Evans, cabinet member responsible for the cost of living at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “Many families continue to face financial pressures, and local community organisations are often best placed to provide practical support, trusted advice and opportunities for people to connect with others.
“This funding will help groups deliver projects that make a real difference, whether that’s teaching budgeting skills, providing affordable cooking sessions, running community cafés or helping people access essential items during difficult times.
“We know that early support and strong community networks can have a lasting impact on people’s wellbeing and financial resilience. I encourage eligible organisations from across South Gloucestershire to come forward with their ideas and apply for funding.”
Applications will remain open until March 2027, or until all available funding has been allocated.
Organisations interested in applying should first register with the council’s grants team via the council’s registration page https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/helping-families-thrive-grant/. Once registered, groups can request an application form by emailing grants@southglos.gov.uk or by calling 01454 865865.
