About the grant, how to apply, and application resources
About the grant
Bristol City Council recognises that access to timely, free, high-quality advice is essential to:
- tackle poverty
- promote equity
- support healthier, more resilient communities
Each year, we invest £560,000 into Bristol's advice sector to help people address complex financial, legal, and social challenges.
This 4-year grant, running from April 2026 to March 2030, builds on the strength of our existing advice infrastructure and will support:
- a good-quality, accessible and equitable advice offer
- stronger collaboration and partnerships with community organisations
- improved referral pathways into advice services
Key community development principles
All applicants must align with the following principles:
- Equity and inclusion: Ensuring fair access for all
- Place-based: Embedding support in communities
- Asset-based: Building on local strengths
- Citizen-led: Shaping services with those who use them
- Relational: Fostering trust and collaboration
Grant applicants are expected to work together to deliver a joined-up, responsive, and people-centred advice system reflective of the diversity of Bristol's communities.
They must take proactive steps to address barriers to access and commit to a culture of learning, improvement, and collaboration.
The current grant arrangement comes to an end on 31 March 2026.
The new grant will begin on 1 April 2026 and run for 4 years with the potential for a one-year extension. Read more about the pdf Advice Grant funding approach(336 KB) .
How to apply
Applications closed on 14 October 2025.
What happens next
We'll assess all applications between October and November 2025. We'll tell all applicants our decisions in December 2025.
The grant funding period will begin on 1 April 2026.
Application resources
- pdf Advice Grant funding approach(336 KB)
- pdf Advice Grant application guidance(223 KB)
- spreadsheet Advice Grant budget template (Section D value)(295 KB)
- document Template Advice Grant partnership memorandum of understanding(29 KB)
Baseline standards
We have a set of baseline standards to:
- protect our investment in the voluntary and community sector
- make sure that all council funded organisations are well managed and provide good quality services
All funded organisations must meet these standards.
We're updating the baseline standards (pdf, 312 KB). Successful organisations must meet the updated standards as part of the conditions of their grant agreement.