Wealden District Council
Wealden Community Fund
Eligibility Criteria
Version dated: October 2026
Overview
Building strong, mutually supporting communities which are actively engaged in their own future.
Crowdfunder and Wealden District Council have come together to support a wide range of small, local projects that help people and communities to thrive, with priority given to projects addressing existing inequalities within communities, particularly around wellbeing and social inclusion.
Community resilience and wellbeing are one of the three core priorities in the Wealden District Council Strategy 2023–2027, focused on creating strong, connected and inclusive communities that can respond to change, support one another, and shape their future. This includes improving and maintaining community infrastructure, leisure and green spaces, while strengthening community networks, reducing inequalities, and embedding meaningful engagement so residents, businesses and partners play an active role in decision-making and local service delivery.
This new crowdfunding programme is an opportunity to bring to life initiatives and activities which are close to your community's heart.
About This Fund
Get up to £5,000
Any local "not for profit" organisation that wants to improve social inclusion and wellbeing for people in Wealden can be eligible, as well as town and parish councils.
You need a crowdfunding project to apply for funding. Start or continue adding your project and, if eligible, you'll be prompted to apply.
How Match Funding Works
You may be eligible for match funding of up to 50% of your fundraising target, or up to £5,000 maximum pledge (whichever is the lower).
Projects must reach 25% of its fundraising target before being considered for match funding.
To demonstrate strong local support a minimum number of unique supporters are also required, 25 unique supporters.
Wealden Community funding will be allocated once the applicant has applied to and been approved for the fund and received a provisional pledge from the fund, by having reached 50% of their target from a minimum of 25 unique backers.
Following receipt of a pledge, projects must reach 100% of the initial fundraising target in order to secure the funds.
On reaching the initial fundraising target, it is possible to add a stretch target and stretch the fundraising further. Find out how here.
If your application is approved, you'll be offered match funding of up to 50% towards your initial crowdfunding target, up to a maximum of £5,000.
Match funding will be awarded subject to the successful completion of subsidy and financial checks, and upon receipt of a signed offer letter by Wealden District Council.
Following approval for funding, if you wish to make any changes to your campaign target, or any significant changes to your rewards or other page content you must notify us.
To secure a pledge from the Fund, you will need to do the following:
1. Apply to, and be approved for, the Fund.
2. Receive a provisional pledge from the Fund, by reaching at least 25% of your fundraising target from a minimum number of 25 unique supporters.
3. Receive the Fund pledge by reaching at least 100% of your fundraising target.
Please note that match funding cannot come from any other Wealden District Council funding scheme including similar Crowdfunder Match Fund. Please email [email protected] should you require any further clarification.
Fund Release
The match fund will be released once the fundraising target has been reached and the Terms and Conditions are signed by the organisation.
Wealden District Council reserves the right not to fund, or to withdraw funding during a campaign if it becomes apparent that any of the criteria are not being met. WDC also reserves the right to amend this information at any time.
Eligible Outcomes
The project may support one of the following outcomes within Wealden District Council's Strategy:
Community Resilience - Activities that strengthen local resilience by supporting people's wellbeing. This may include programmes that build confidence, reduce isolation, promote healthier lifestyles, or help communities respond positively to local challenges.
Community Infrastructure – Initiatives that improve, maintain or modernise community spaces, facilities, or resources so they remain safe, accessible and able to meet the needs of a growing population. This could involve small upgrades, equipment, improvements or changes that enhance or continue community use.
Leisure, Culture and Social Connection - Projects that encourage social interaction, creativity, physical activity and community cohesion for people of all ages. This includes activities or services that improve access to leisure, sport, arts or cultural opportunities that benefit physical, social or mental wellbeing.
Equality, diversity and inclusion - Initiatives that enable people from all backgrounds to participate fully in community life. This may include inclusive community-wide projects or initiatives that address the specific needs of groups experiencing disadvantage, discrimination, under-representation or social exclusion. Particular priority will be given to projects that reduce inequality, remove barriers to participation and promote a sense of belonging.
Eligible Costs
You can apply for project linked core costs – the general day-to-day running costs for your organisation, e.g. venue hire, salaries, volunteer expenses, and other support for volunteers. Other items to help run the organisation and provide services unrelated to this project may not be funded.
You can also apply for project costs – money for a particular project taking place on top of your usual activities, or one-off events, capital projects, performances, equipment or special repairs. New groups can also apply.
You can apply towards capital projects such as, improvements and maintenance of a community building, such as a community centre, village hall, local library which supports community use, or purchasing non-fixable assets e.g. cricket nets, hearing loop for community use.
For capital projects resulting in an adaption to a building or a fixable asset, the applicant must either own the land or building OR have permission from the landowner AND have a lease of more than 5 years where the capital fund will be spent.
You will be expected to demonstrate how you will monitor and review progress as well as ensure the project is sustainable on a longer-term basis.
The projects need to evidence real benefits for residents of Wealden and the Wealden District.
Eligible Organisations
Any locally constituted and recognised 'not for profit' organisation, such as charities, constituted community groups, parish or town councils, community interest companies, residents associations, sports clubs, PTAs, and cultural organisations which seeks to serve the people of Wealden will be able to apply for funding.
Your organisation must:
Provide community activities or services within Wealden District, which are of benefit to the residents of Wealden District
Have a formal constitution or set of rules
Have a bank account requiring at least two unrelated signatories
Operate with no undue restrictions on membership
And be either:
A constituted group with a volunteer management committee with a minimum of three unrelated members that meets on a regular basis (at least three times per year)
A registered Charity, with a board of trustees
Or:
A registered Community Interest Company, and provide copies of your Community Interest Statement, details of the Asset Lock included in your Memorandum and Articles of Association, and a copy of your latest annual community interest report
A town or parish council seeking to provide support for the local community through a specific project/s
A village hall trust
Wealden-wide, regional and national organisations are eligible, but only for projects delivering a clear and demonstrable benefit to the community of Wealden.
Due to the nature of this fund, there will be a commitment to principles of equality and safeguarding the welfare of adults and children and to working in partnership to protect vulnerable groups from abuse.
You will need to ensure policies and procedures for safeguarding and protecting adults and children are in accordance with current legislation and reviewed annually are in place.
Insurance Requirements
Where applicable, you must have insurance and all relevant consents and approvals for any activity which the funding will be wholly or partly funding.
You must have Public Liability Insurance cover with a minimum indemnity limit of £5 million per claim.
You must maintain Professional Indemnity insurance cover (if applicable) with a minimum cover of £1 million and produce on demand the policies and evidence of premium payment.
You must maintain Employers Liability insurance cover for staff and volunteers, with a minimum indemnity limit of £5 million per claim.
What Is Not Eligible
Funding cannot be used for activities promoting religious or political beliefs; however, we welcome applications from faith groups for community activities that are open/accessible to the whole community, regardless of religion.
A campaign that does not directly relate to the provision of community activities or services within Wealden District
Individuals
Organisations which aim to distribute a profit
Organisations with no established management committee/board of trustees (unless a CIC)
Town and parish councils seeking to fund for costs associated with statutory services.
Loans and/or interest payments
Funding cannot be used to purchase alcohol or illegal substances.
Members who are not directly working on the project.
Funding will not be granted to offset any previous loss in funding or existing models of delivery.
Funding does not replace any previous funding programmes and cannot be used to fill any gaps left by the withdrawal of other grant giving programmes.
Political, lobbying and campaigning groups.
Activities causing reputational damage and conflicts of interest for the Council, including campaigns against the Council or its statutory partners.
Projects which could directly or indirectly have a negative impact on supporting the Council to achieve its Council Strategy.
Match funding cannot come from any other Wealden District Council funding scheme including similar Crowdfunder Match Fund.
Restrictions
The following are not eligible for funding:
Individuals and any organisations not listed within 'Who can apply?' section.
Projects or activity outside of Wealden
Retrospective funding to fill funding gaps not identified before the project starts.
Retrospective work – work that has already taken place before any funding has been awarded.
VAT reclaimable from HMRC – VAT may be an eligible cost under this funding scheme; however, this will vary on a case-by-case basis, and the council cannot give VAT advice to applicants. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that VAT is correctly treated within any funding project. Incorrect VAT treatment could lead to penalties from HMRC and the applicant having to repay the VAT element of the funding that should not have been claimed. It is the responsibility of the applicant to include VAT if an applicant needs to claim it. If you do not include eligible VAT, the funding will be awarded based on net costs and VAT cannot be claimed.
Commercial activities or projects which generate private gain
Political activities, lobbying or campaigning.
Funding cannot be used for activities promoting religious or political beliefs; however, faith groups for community activities will be eligible if they are open/accessible to the whole community, regardless of religion.
Projects which in the assessment of Wealden District Council show actual or potential unlawful discrimination within the terms of the Equality Act 2010.
Funding made to individuals or for items which only benefit an individual, such as prizes, bursaries or personal equipment.
Projects that are already funded through external funding e.g. government funding.
Privately owned buildings.
Private landowners.
For any other purpose than that specified on your Crowdfunder campaign.
Funding will not be awarded to organisations that have large unrestricted balances available for them to spend – if a balance is 'restricted' for a particular purpose, e.g. you are saving for a building or piece of equipment, you should clearly indicate this.
Capital improvements must not be compromised by other work in the near future.
Obligations of Successful Applicants
Successful applicants will be expected to:
Produce a brief final project summary (a simple template will be provided).
Produce evidence of eligible expenditure if requested, e.g. receipts, quotations.
Contribute to news stories about the project as requested.
Complete short questionnaires about your project delivery and crowdfunding experience at 3 months and 12 months after your crowdfunding campaign closes.
Contact and Support
If you have any questions or are in any doubt about whether we are likely to be eligible, please email the Climate Change Team, [email protected]
Free weekly drop-ins, workshops and training are available to support your project development from our partners.
Take a look at the following resources designed to help you make the most of your campaign:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I crowdfund?
Free weekly drop-ins, workshops and training are available to support your project development from our partners.
Take a look at the resources above designed to help you make the most of your campaign.
Can I extend my project deadline?
Yes you can. To find out more, please go to https://help.crowdfunder.co.uk/en/articles/1844077-how-do-i-extend-my-project-deadline
Should I choose Flexible funding/Keep What you Raise or All or Nothing?
You can choose either funding method however please note that you must reach at least 100% of your target to secure WDC funding. If you fail to do so, but have chosen to 'keep what you raise', the WDC funding will be cancelled and you will keep funds raised from the crowd only.
I have hit WDC's funding criteria but can't see the WDC pledge yet?
This is a manual process by the team, so pledges will be updated as soon as possible during working hours.