Bristol City Council Voluntary and Community Sector (VCSE) Infrastructure Support Grant
The VCSE Infrastructure Support Grant funds organisations who provide 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.
- Opening date:
- Closing date: (Midday)
Contents
Summary
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.
Eligibility
The Voluntary and Community Sector Infrastructure Support Grant is open to applications from the voluntary and community sector, and social enterprise organisations. You must read the guidance document available on the Bristol City Council Website for full eligibility criteria: https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/people-and-communities/voluntary-and-community-organisations/grants-for-voluntary-and-community-organisations/vcse-infrastructure-support-grant
Objectives
The council’s investment will contribute to:
building capacity and resilience to improve outcomes for people and communities
strategic leadership and development of the sector
bringing diversity and creativity to city development and decision making
Greater equity within and for the VCSE sector
Dates
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
How to apply
Details and resources for applicants are available on the Bristol City Council Website: Voluntary and Community Sector (VCSE) Infrastructure Support Grant
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 the questions and answers (Q&A) document on the website during the application window. We won't name the organisations who ask questions.
Refer to the resources on the website when applying.