Community Champions

Community Champions is a fund available in England to help support and develop the work of local people who are involved in changing communities for the better.
Individuals who already or want to run activities or projects in the local community to make a difference can apply for grants. Community Champions funding is provided by the Department for Education and Skills and, as such, focuses on the development of key individuals' skills and learning to make an impact on regeneration in their communities. The fund is worth £3m per year with grants to individuals usually up to £2000 and averaging £1250. Community Champions welcomes all ideas for community activity including: sports, arts and drama, training, environmental, health, learning, community representation, residents groups. Each year, the Community Champions National Awards Ceremony is held and it recognises Community Champions that have made an outstanding contribution to their communities.
Further information and examples of community work which has been funded by Community Champions are available on www.dfes.gov.uk/communitychampions