What the grant is
About the grant, how to apply, get help with your application and application resources.
The VCSE Infrastructure Support Grant funds support to the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector including:
- one to one and group capacity building
- networks, training and strategic support to build the voice and influence of the sector in Bristol
We understand the vital role of VCSE organisations in the life of Bristol. A thriving VCSE sector contributes directly to the wellbeing of individuals and communities by:
- redressing disadvantage and inequality
- delivering services
- promoting inclusion
- strengthening voice and influence
- enabling social action
We invest £316,608 per year in this grant programme. This could be awarded to:
- one organisation
- more than one organisation
- a partnership of organisations
We'll expect organisations who are awarded funding to work together to offer joined up support to the VCSE sector.
The funding has been awarded to Voscur and Black South West Network for the past 4 years. The current grant arrangement (called the Enabling VCSE grant) 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 approach to the VCSE infrastructure support grant 2026 to 2030(330 KB) .
Apply for the VCSE Infrastructure Support Grant
Applications are open.
You must apply by midday on 15 September 2025.
What happens next
We'll assess all applications between September and November 2025. We'll tell all applicants our decisions in December 2025.
The grant funding period will begin on 1 April 2026.
Get help with your application
If you have any queries, questions or requests for information about the grant application process, email investmentandgrants@bristol.gov.uk
We will not give advice on the phone or in person.
You must email your questions by 4pm on Friday 5 September 2025.
We want to make sure that every organisation gets the same information and advice, so we'll regularly update and upload a questions and answers (Q&A) document which will be published below during the application window. We won't name the organisations who ask questions.
Refer to the resources below when applying.
Information sessions
To find out more about applying for the VCSE Sector Infrastructure Support Grant, you can attend a free online information session, run by our Community Resources team. These sessions will give you more information about:
- the fund priorities
- the application process
- how to put together an application
Session dates:
- Tuesday 24 June, 4pm to 5pm
- Friday 27 June, midday to 1pm
Application resources
-
pdf
Guidance notes and question guide(276 KB)
- spreadsheet Budget spreadsheet(347 KB)
- default Template Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (20 KB)
-
pdf
Approach to funding 2026 to 2030(330 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 pdf baseline standards(312 KB) . Successful organisations must meet the updated standards as part of the conditions of their grant agreement.