Home Office - Community Engagement Fund 2026-27

Aims/priorities: During 2026 to 2027, the funding is intended to:

  • Raise awareness of and address any misinformation about the Windrush Compensation and Windrush Documentation Schemes with a focus on continuing to support Windrush generation communities, from both Caribbean and non-Caribbean backgrounds, and encouraging them to apply to these Schemes, including holding a minimum of one in-person event.
  • Build on the insights and learning taken from existing work on Windrush to understand:
    • why individuals are not applying for the Windrush Compensation Scheme and/or the Windrush Scheme; and
      • how to encourage eligible individuals to apply to these Schemes;
      • to reach a wider audience from the Caribbean and non-Caribbean communities;
      • to identify how to encourage eligible individuals to apply to these Schemes;
      • to increase applications from individuals that may not previously have applied.
  • Improve trust, confidence, and engagement with the Home Office by working directly with grassroots organisations to strengthen relationships and gather community‑led insights.

This fund is best suited to support short and easy-to-deliver projects, rather than a programme of work, as all allocated funds needs to be spent by 31 March 2027.

Who can apply? The following types of groups can apply:

  • Unincorporated charities or community organisations.
  • Community interest companies.
  • Companies with a charitable purpose.
  • Grassroots organisations.
  • Registered charities.

Consortium or partnership applications are also accepted.

Applicants must:

  • Have at least two years' experience, within the past three years, delivering Windrush-related community engagements.
  • Deliver the community engagement events without the requirement to purchase new fixed assets (e.g., laptops/mobile phones, etc.).
  • Deliver at least one in-person event as part of their project proposal.

Grant amount: A total of £150,000 is being made available in 2026-27.

Grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 are available.

Projects must be fully delivered by 31 March 2027.

Applicants are able to request up to 25% of the full funding amount (initial payment) for set-up costs.

Application process: All relevant documents, as well as a short video, can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Two virtual information sessions will be held for community and grassroots organisations who are interested to learn more about the Fund and how to submit an application:

  • Tuesday 21 April (14.00-15.30)
  • Thursday 23 April (11.00-12.30).

Groups must register at least 48 hours in advance of the session they wish to attend. They should send an email to CommunityEngagementFundCompetition@homeoffice.gov.uk. Details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Deadline: Tuesday, 12 May 2026 (16:00).

Contact information: Email: CommunityEngagementFundCompetition@homeoffice.gov.uk

Website: 2026/2027 Community Engagement Fund - GOV-UK Find a grant