Locality (UK)

Locality is a national network and registered UK charity founded in 1994 through the merger of two leading community support bodies, dedicated to empowering community-led organisations across England to build thriving neighbourhoods and advance social justice. Its mission centres on providing specialist advice, peer learning, resources, policy advocacy, and a collective voice for local groups, rooted in core values of community power, local knowledge, inclusion, mutual support, and long-term stewardship of community assets. Distinctively, Locality combines a membership network of over 2,000 organisations with deep expertise in asset-based community development, national policy influence, and securing government contracts to drive systemic change.

It funds thematic priorities like community asset ownership and management, neighbourhood planning, local service delivery, and social enterprise development, supporting causes such as health and wellbeing, tackling loneliness, economic inclusion, leadership building, regeneration, and community engagement in public services. Beneficiaries are primarily small to medium-sized UK-registered charities, social enterprises, community groups, and faith-based organisations serving disadvantaged or under-resourced communities in urban, suburban, or rural England, with a focus on sustainable, place-based projects demonstrating strong local ownership and impact.

Eligibility requires operations strictly in England, with a preference for groups with annual incomes below £1 million facing financial pressures or serving high-need areas; unsolicited applications are not accepted. Funding occurs via partnership programmes like the Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund (CCLF), offering project, core costs, capacity building, and capital grants typically ranging from £10,000 to £75,000. Applications use online forms during specific windows (e.g., CCLF closed October 2023), with decisions in 8-12 weeks—monitor the website for announcements, as there are no rolling deadlines or adhoc meetings. Exclusions include non-English activities and non-partner schemes; Locality stands out for its advocacy role, technical support in asset transfers, and enabling community control over local futures.