Community Engagement Fund to Support Windrush Compensation Awareness

New funding aims to boost community access to Windrush schemes

A new Community Engagement Fund (CEF) has been announced for the 2026 to 2027 financial year, providing £150,000 to support grassroots organisations in raising awareness of the Windrush Compensation Scheme and related initiatives. The fund is designed to encourage eligible individuals to apply and to address misinformation surrounding these schemes.

Purpose of the Community Engagement Fund

The CEF focuses on short, targeted community engagement projects that:

• Raise awareness of the Windrush Compensation Scheme and the Windrush Documentation Scheme
• Address misinformation related to these schemes
• Encourage eligible individuals to submit applications
• Build trust and engagement within affected communities

Projects funded through this scheme must include at least one in-person event and be completed within the 2026 to 2027 financial year.

Importance for the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector

The fund presents an opportunity for organisations within the VCSE sector to support communities who may be unaware of or reluctant to access the compensation and documentation schemes available to them. Organisations with prior experience working with Windrush communities are particularly well placed to:

• Share accurate and reliable information
• Reach individuals who may not engage with formal government channels
• Build trust through established local relationships

Additionally, the fund aims to collect insights into the barriers preventing people from applying and to improve future engagement strategies.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications are open to:

• Grassroots organisations
• Registered charities
• Community interest companies or organisations with a charitable purpose
• Consortia or partnerships, provided there is a lead organisation

Eligible organisations must have at least two years’ experience delivering Windrush-related engagement activities within the last three years. Local authorities, individuals, and private companies are not eligible to apply.

Permitted Use of Funding

The funding can be used to support:

• Community events, including venue hire, refreshments, and delivery costs
• Communications activities such as leaflets, campaigns, and local media
• Outreach and engagement work
• Staff time directly linked to project delivery

Projects should be straightforward, focused, and achievable within a short timeframe.

Application Process and Key Dates

Applications open on 14 April 2026 at 12:00 and close on 12 May 2026 at 16:00. Clarification questions can be submitted until 5 May 2026 at 16:00. Decisions are expected by July 2026, with project delivery running from August 2026 until 31 March 2027.

Applications must be submitted via the Find a Grant service. Interested organisations should review the guidance and complete the online application form.

Additional Support

Information sessions will be available for organisations interested in applying. To register, organisations can email communityengagementfundcompetition@homeoffice.gov.uk.

Source: Doing Good Leeds