We have now moved from accepting grant applications all year round to three set funding rounds each year – the change will help better manage demand and ensure fairer access to our funding. This new structure allows us to assess applications in batches, compare needs more consistently, and make clearer funding decisions based on available budgets. Each round has a set deadline, and funding decisions are shared shortly afterwards.
We’re excited to announce the successful applicants of our first round of grant funding, designed to support projects that deliver meaningful outcomes across our priority areas: community cohesion, health and wellbeing, education and employment, housing security, and access to culture, sport, and the outdoors.
We are proud to be able to help these local organisations to make a difference in Chippenham!
Foodbox Weekly Deliveries
Organisation: St Peter’s Church
Amount Awarded: £2,700
Project Type: Core (1 year)
This volunteer-led initiative provides customised weekly food bags to over 100 households in need, tackling food poverty with care and dignity. By using surplus food and donations, the Foodbox team ensures reliable, stigma-free support for local families, elderly residents, and isolated individuals during times of high financial pressure.
- Reduction in relative poverty (food insecurity)
- Improved physical and mental health through nutrition
- Community solidarity and volunteer involvement
Art and Music Room
Organisation: St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
Amount Awarded: £1,000
Project Type: Equipment & Project
This grant helped equip two new Art and Music rooms at St Mary’s Primary School, expanding creative learning opportunities. The new spaces will benefit toddlers to primary age pupils, and are also made available to local early years groups, broadening their community use. These environments are designed to boost wellbeing, creativity, and academic outcomes.
- Improved education and mental health
- Greater access to arts and cultural activities
- Support for early years and primary development
Forest Camp
Organisation: Youth Adventure Trust
Amount Awarded: £2,346
Project Type: Residential Trip
This funding enabled eight vulnerable young people from Chippenham to attend a six-day outdoor residential in the Forest of Dean. The camp is part of a broader early intervention programme, offering immersive nature-based experiences that develop confidence, resilience, and life skills. The camp makes a long-term difference to health, education, and future prospects.
- Improved mental health and educational attainment
- Greater time outdoors and connection with nature
- Increased confidence and life skills in vulnerable youth
Mixed Ability U16 and 16+ Rugby
Organisation: Chippenham RFC
Amount Awarded: £8,250
Project Type: Core
This multi-year grant supports inclusive rugby at Chippenham RFC, funding the launch of a new U16 Mixed Ability team and ensuring continued development of the adult Chippenham Cavaliers squad. The project removes barriers to sport by welcoming people of all ages, genders, and abilities, including those with disabilities or from low-income backgrounds. It builds physical health, confidence, and belonging.
- Increased participation in sport and inclusive physical activity
- Improved physical and mental health
- Stronger community connections through shared activity
Manager Costs
Organisation: Olive Branch Counselling
Amount Awarded: £30,000*
Project Type: Core Costs
This core grant enabled Olive Branch Counselling to recruit a full-time Manager, improving access to low-cost, long-term counselling across the region. The new role allows the charity to streamline operations, grow their hardship fund, and enhance outreach to those in greatest need. This investment strengthens capacity at a time of rising mental health demand.
- Improved mental health and reduced inequalities
- Greater access to affordable therapy for vulnerable individuals
- Stronger and more sustainable service delivery
Wheelchair Scales
Organisation: Independent Living Centre, Semington
Amount Awarded: £1,704
Project Type: Equipment
This grant funded wheelchair-accessible scales, filling a vital service gap for disabled and older residents. Located at the Independent Living Centre in Semington, the equipment ensures safe, accurate assessments for mobility aids, improving safety, comfort, and confidence for users.
- Improved health access and independence for disabled people
- Better provision of mobility support services
- Reduced health inequalities in rural areas
Storage Shed
Organisation: 11th Chippenham Guides
Amount Awarded: £575
Project Type: Equipment Purchase
This small grant enabled the 11th Chippenham Guides to purchase a secure storage shed for their outdoor and activity equipment. With a safe and accessible storage solution, the unit can continue to support a wide range of confidence-building, creative, and community-based activities for local girls. By investing in infrastructure that enables year-round outdoor learning and team-based experiences, this project directly contributes to:
- Increased community participation and cohesion
- More time outdoors and engagement in creative activities
Our next round of funding deadline is 1st October – if your organisation is working towards any of our five key outcomes in Chippenham, we encourage you to apply. Find out more and apply here: cblc.org.uk/grants-for-organisations