Community Grant
The UWE Bristol Fund awards grants of up to £3,000 for community partnership projects.
About the grant
Applications for Community Grants are now open. Please complete an Expression of Interest for more information.
Do you have an idea that could make a positive difference in your community?
The UWE Bristol Community Fund provides grants of up to £3,000 to help UWE Bristol students, staff and community organisations work together on projects that benefit local communities while creating valuable learning opportunities for students.
We support projects that:
- Bring UWE Bristol and community organisations together in meaningful partnerships.
- Create positive change for local communities.
- Provide opportunities for students to volunteer and develop skills.
- Enhance learning through real-world experience.
- Deliver benefits for the Bristol city region and surrounding area.
The UWE Bristol Community Grant is jointly funded with the Quartet Community Foundation.
Who can apply?
Applications must be led by a current UWE Bristol student or staff member and developed in partnership with a community organisation. We encourage both partners to shape the project together from the start.
Community partners may include charities, community groups, social enterprises, schools, local authorities, or other not-for-profit organisations. If you have a project idea but do not yet have a community partner or UWE Bristol person to work with, we may be able to help you find one. Contact us at communityfund@uwe.ac.uk.
Projects must benefit communities within the West of England region, including Bristol, Bath, North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Priority themes: UWE Bristol's RISE beacons
We are particularly interested in projects that contribute to UWE Bristol's RISE beacons, our four priority areas for creating positive social impact.
Shaping integrated healthcare
Help build healthier, more connected communities. We welcome projects that support physical and mental wellbeing, reduce loneliness, improve access to opportunities or services, and empower people to thrive together.
Harnessing creativity and technology
Use creativity, innovation and technology to make a positive difference. Whether through the arts, digital tools, creative problem-solving or skills development, we support projects that inspire new ideas and help communities shape their future.
Enriching culture, place and community
Bring people together and create a stronger sense of belonging. We fund projects that celebrate diversity, strengthen community connections, showcase local culture and heritage, and create opportunities for people to learn from and support one another.
Securing a green, resilient future
Take action for a more sustainable future. We support projects that help communities care for the environment, tackle climate challenges, protect nature, reduce waste, and build the skills and resilience needed for a greener tomorrow.
"The funding enabled us to produce professional literature about air pollution for schools, commission a filmmaker, and run workshops. The project got our area acknowledged by the council as needing air quality improvements."
St George’s Breathing Better Community Fund project
How to apply
Please complete an expression of interest form, providing some basic information about your project proposal. We will review your idea and confirm whether it is suitable for the fund, before inviting you to submit a full application.
Before completing your expression of interest, please read the further information for applicants (PDF). We strongly suggest that you seek advice on your application before submitting. The Community Fund team can check that your project is suitable for the fund and can help with your application. Please email communityfund@uwe.ac.uk to discuss your idea.
The deadline for full applications is Wednesday 18 November 2026 (midnight). Decisions on funding will be made by Friday 11 December.