Cornwall Community Development Limited

Cornwall Community Development Limited, operating as Cornwall Rural Community Charity (CRCC), was established in 2001 from the Cornwall Rural Community Council to strengthen Cornish communities, making them vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive. Rooted in values of inclusion, empowerment, and collaboration, CRCC focuses on enhancing wellbeing and resilience across rural, coastal, and urban areas of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. As an umbrella body for the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, it uniquely balances direct service delivery—like resource hubs, carer support, and skills training for young people with additional needs—with re-granting, advocacy, convening, and capacity building to fill gaps in statutory provision and promote community-led solutions.

It funds a broad spectrum of initiatives addressing poverty relief, education and training, health and wellbeing (prioritising unpaid carers, children, older people, disabled individuals, and the disadvantaged), economic and community development, environmental/heritage conservation, and support for armed forces and emergency services. Grants support projects, core costs, capacity building, small capital works (e.g., village halls, digital hubs), and development funding for grassroots VCSE organisations delivering clear local benefit.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, community groups (registered or unregistered), and social enterprises based or working in Cornwall/Isles of Scilly, with preference for small, community-led groups over large nationals; no income thresholds or religious restrictions apply. Typical grants range from £500 to £10,000 (up to £75,000 for capital), awarded via online applications for specific programmes—check eligibility checker and website for docs like constitutions and safeguarding policies. Quarterly panel meetings follow varying deadlines (e.g., village hall grants until funds exhaust by March 2025). CRCC stands out for its local focus, partnership emphasis, high governance standards, and rejection of non-local or non-community-benefit activities.