The Aviva Community Fund: Backing the clever ideas that move communities forward

What makes a community? It’s the people. People who care. People with ideas. People who take the time to look out for one another and look after the places in which they live. And, when local projects and charities get the opportunity to make their vision of a better world a reality, that’s when communities come together and really come alive.

By getting behind small charities and community causes that are taking action in the face of climate change and helping people to take control of their financial wellbeing, we’re building stronger, more supportive communities all across the UK.

The causes we’ve seen make the biggest impact are those that have the freedom to test innovative ideas and explore exciting new opportunities without fear of risk. Ideas like recycling ocean plastic to give it a new life or breaking down barriers to work. That’s why the Aviva Community Fund puts its weight behind these kind of clever ideas through funding, coaching, volunteering and practical guidance.

Is your idea eligible?

We open the door to communities and charities all over the UK to share their vision on how to make our world a better place for us all. Our eyes are currently fixed on these two areas:

• Climate action – promoting healthy, thriving communities by preventing, preparing for and protecting against the impacts of climate change
• Financial wellbeing – helping people take control of their wellbeing by giving them the tools to be more financially independent and ready for anything

We want to hear how your project will strengthen your community and help people to lead healthier, happier lives and give them an opportunity to look to the future with confidence.

For example, if you submit a woodland regeneration project, think about how it could help local people as well as the environment – could it offer therapeutic activities for locals or will it improve the quality of life of people who live in the area, forge new connections or boost the local economy?

Or if you’re focused on helping people reach their goal of long-term employment, we want to hear the details of how you go about it. What skills are they learning? How are you tackling the psychological or societal barriers to employment? What kind of impact will your plans have on the wider community?

Big community impact comes from big, bold ideas. Ideas that innovate. Ideas unafraid to push things forward. That’s why we’re looking for projects that:

• develop a new approach, product or technology; or
• implement a new initiative or pilot a new scheme; or
• expand existing services to a new area or beneficiary group; or
• adapt services to meet today’s needs without compromising those of future generations.

It takes building a more sustainable future – for our people and our planet. Does your project have what it takes to be part of our Aviva Community Fund?

Applications for 2022’s first round of funding are open until 1^st February 

Find full eligibility details here.

Got a question? Contact the Aviva Community Fund team by emailing [email protected]