Community Centres Investment Fund 2026
Application Support Toolkit
Copy-and-paste content aligned with official criteria to strengthen your application and save time.
(Aligned with CCIF Guidelines & Case Study Outcomes )
INTRODUCTION
This document provides ready-to-use content aligned with the Community Centres Investment Fund 2026 criteria.
It is designed to help community organisations clearly demonstrate need, demand, and impact, while ensuring proposals remain compliant with funding objectives focused on refurbishment and improvement of existing facilities
It also reflects the outcomes demonstrated in previously funded projects, particularly in relation to increased usage, accessibility, and community participation.
This funding supports building refurbishment and facility improvements.
Any additional elements included within an application should be positioned as enhancing the usability, accessibility, and long-term use of the space, rather than standalone equipment purchases.
SECTION 1 — NEED & QUALITY
Our community centre has experienced increasing demand for accessible and flexible community activity space, particularly among younger age groups and individuals not currently engaged in structured programmes.
While recent and planned upgrades will improve the physical condition of the building, there remains a need to ensure that the space is actively used and accessible to a broad range of community members.
The proposed project will enhance the functionality of the centre by improving the internal environment to support multi-use community activity, increasing the centre's ability to host diverse programmes and services.
SECTION 2 — DEMAND & IMPACT
The centre is currently used by a range of community groups; however, there is clear unmet demand for engaging, accessible, and inclusive activities, particularly for younger users and families.
The proposed improvements will:
Increase overall usage of the facility
Attract new user groups from the community
Support inclusive participation across different abilities
Enable additional programmes, events, and bookings
By improving both the physical space and its usability, the project will strengthen the centre's role as a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable community hub.
SECTION 3 — PROJECT ELEMENTS (COMPLIANT OPTIONS)
- Internal space upgrade to support multi-use community activity
- Enhancement of internal wall space for flexible activity use
- Installation of fixed wall-mounted activity infrastructure
- Upgrade of indoor space to increase youth engagement
- Adaptation of hall space for inclusive community use
SECTION 4 — GOVERNANCE
The organisation has an established governance structure with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
Financial oversight, procurement processes, and reporting mechanisms are in place to ensure compliance with all funding requirements.
The committee has experience managing community-based projects and will oversee delivery, ensuring the project is completed within the required timelines.
SECTION 5 — HOW THIS SUPPORTS FUNDED OUTCOMES
Projects supported under the Community Centres Investment Fund consistently demonstrate improvements in:
- Increased usage of the facility
- Ability to host a wider range of activities
- Improved accessibility and inclusivity
- Greater confidence in taking bookings and running programmes
This proposal supports these same outcomes by enhancing the usability of indoor space and enabling increased participation, particularly among younger and underrepresented groups
SECTION 6 — POSITIONING
Community centres that receive funding will significantly improve their facilities.
A key consideration following refurbishment is ensuring that these upgraded spaces are actively used and deliver ongoing benefit to the community.
Solutions such as Rebound Sports can be considered as part of enhancing the usability of indoor space, particularly where centres wish to increase participation, engagement, and programme delivery.