The Children’s Alliance Community Grant programme supports grassroots organisations delivering water-based activities that improve the physical and mental wellbeing of children across the UK.
The programme focuses on giving children access to water environments where they can learn, develop confidence and build essential life skills. Funding prioritises initiatives helping disadvantaged children experience safe and meaningful engagement with water through swimming, therapy and water-based play.
Access to water activities can help children build resilience, improve physical health and strengthen emotional wellbeing. Through this grant programme, Children’s Alliance aims to ensure more young people have the opportunity to benefit from these experiences.
About the Children’s Alliance Community Fund
Children’s Alliance is a UK charity working to create better starts and brighter futures for children, particularly those facing disadvantage. The organisation supports initiatives that provide children with access to water-based activities and learning opportunities that build confidence and life skills.
The Community Grant programme focuses on grassroots initiatives that introduce children to water in safe, inclusive and engaging ways.
Projects supported by the fund aim to improve children’s wellbeing while helping them develop water confidence and important safety skills.
How Much Funding Is Available
Grants of up to £15,000 are available, although most awards are typically under £10,000.
Funding is intended to support specific projects rather than ongoing core organisational costs.
What the Fund Supports
The Children’s Alliance Community Grant supports projects that help children access water environments for learning, development and play.
Examples of activities that may be funded include:
- Swimming lessons and water safety education
- Hydrotherapy sessions for children with disabilities or additional needs
- Surf therapy and other water-based wellbeing activities
- Provision of swimwear and essential equipment
- Transport enabling children to access swimming lessons or water facilities
Projects must clearly demonstrate how water environments form a central part of the activity and how they support children’s development and wellbeing.
Who Is Eligible
Applications are open to non-profit organisations across the UK, including:
- Registered charities
- Community groups
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Schools
Projects must support children and young people under the age of 18 and demonstrate clear outcomes for children’s wellbeing and development.
Applicants must also have:
- A safeguarding or child protection policy
- A bank account in the organisation’s name
- A clear plan for delivering measurable outcomes
Priority is given to grassroots initiatives supporting disadvantaged children.
Application Timeline
Applications for Children’s Alliance Community Grants open twice each year:
- March
- September
Applicants must complete the grant application form and submit it to the Children’s Alliance team for review.
Because funding rounds are limited, organisations are encouraged to prepare applications early and clearly demonstrate how their project will benefit children’s wellbeing.
What Makes a Strong Application
Successful applications typically:
- Show how water-based activities directly support children’s development
- Demonstrate clear outcomes related to wellbeing, confidence and life skills
- Prioritise disadvantaged children or those with limited access to opportunities
- Provide a clear delivery plan and realistic budget
Projects that increase accessibility to water environments or help children gain essential life skills such as swimming and water safety are particularly aligned with the fund’s priorities.
Is This Right for Your Organisation
If your organisation works with children and wants to introduce or expand water-based activities that support wellbeing, development and confidence, the Children’s Alliance Community Grant could be a strong fit.
This funding is particularly suitable for grassroots organisations delivering practical projects that help disadvantaged children access opportunities they might otherwise miss.
