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Sedel-Collings Support the Supporters

Cornwall Community Foundation recognises the voluntary sector faces unprecedented pressure tackling complex social challenges. Staff and volunteers supporting vulnerable community members experience significant strain. Supporting the Supporter Grants strengthen frontline teams’ wellbeing, investing in mental health, resilience, and capacity of those working directly with people facing acute difficulties. Sustainable impact requires sustainable people

We are particularly interested in funding activity that is:

  • New, creative or pilot approaches that are over and above what is normally available that will enhance staff/volunteer wellbeing.
  • Activity led or informed by staff groups/peers.
  • Learning and development activities that will enhance staff wellbeing, understanding, and may be embedded in the working environment/practice in the long-term.
  • Imaginative collaboration between organisations, demonstrating the sharing of resources or expertise which encourages staff/volunteer wellbeing.

Activities should be over and above any statutory or professional requirements:

  • Activities and items do not need to be connected to the job that staff or volunteers do, but about improving their wellbeing and ability to respond to and to cope with difficult situations with greater confidence and clarity.
  • Activities could include:
    • Continuing professional development courses; workshops/events, one-to-one support related to wellbeing.
    • Mentoring, buddying or peer support.
    • Creative arts, physical or nature-based activities that create space “to do” or for reflection, which leave participants feeling better, more confident in their role and functioning well.

These are suggestions and we very much look forward to receiving other proposals for activities that will contribute to the outcomes for this grant.

Watch CCF’s free online workshop to:

✔ Learn more about the purpose and priorities of the new Supporting the Supporters Fund
✔ Understand what we’re looking for in applications
✔ Get practical guidance on how to apply
✔ Ask questions directly to our team

Quick links

Requirements Timeline Funded projects Apply Now

Grant Categories:

  • Open
  • Grant
Grant open: 17/09/2025
Applications by: 24/10/2025
Decision date: December 2025
Type: Project costs
Area: Various
Grant value: Grants from £500 to £5,000 are available.

Grant requirements

To apply for a grant your organisation must meet the general Eligibility criteria. In addition to this, you must also meet the specific criteria of the grant listed below:

Who can apply

  • Charitable and volunteer organisations who assist people facing serious challenges, to help these organisations protect and enhance the wellbeing of their staff, volunteers, and trustees.

What it will support

We are particularly interested in funding activity that is:

  • New, creative or pilot approaches that are over and above what is normally available that will enhance staff/volunteer wellbeing.
  • Activity led or informed by staff groups/peers.
  • Learning and development activities that will enhance staff wellbeing, understanding, and may be embedded in the working environment/practice in the long-term.
  • Imaginative collaboration between organisations, demonstrating the sharing of resources or expertise which encourages staff/volunteer wellbeing.

Activities should be over and above any statutory or professional requirements:

  • Activities and items do not need to be connected to the job that staff or volunteers do, but about improving their wellbeing and ability to respond to and to cope with difficult situations with greater confidence and clarity.
  • Activities could include:
    • Continuing professional development courses; workshops/events, one-to-one support related to wellbeing.
    • Mentoring, buddying or peer support.
    • Creative arts, physical or nature-based activities that create space “to do” or for reflection, which leave participants feeling better, more confident in their role and functioning well.

These are suggestions and we very much look forward to receiving other proposals for activities that will contribute to the outcomes for this grant.

What it won’t support

This fund will not cover counselling or talking therapies as you can access this support via Cornwall VSF who have partnered with Care Coins to provide anyone working or volunteering in Cornwall’s voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector with free access. You can find out more information about this free service here: https://cornwallvsf.org/connecting/projects/care-coins/

  • Staff Remuneration
  • Alcohol or medication
  • Building works or large-scale refurbishment
  • Consultancy, research or feasibility studies
  • Research Projects or activities outside of the listed area
  • Commercial profit making organisations
  • Organisations with significant free reserves
  • Statutory /public sector organisations such as health authorities, schools, hospitals, parish and town councils
  • Contributions to an endowment, payments of deficit funding or repayment loans
  • Grant making organisations or bodies who fundraise or distribute grants on behalf of other organisations
  • Activities or projects which have already happened
  • Regional offices of national bodies that do not benefit local people
  • Organisations whose beneficiaries are not people
  • Organisations or projects intended to influence people’s religious choices or to promote a particular belief
  • Individuals or projects that help only one individual
  • The promotion of political causes

The Sedel- Collings Foundation was set up in 2006 by Rae Sedel and John Collings with a mission to empower and sustain vital community services. Their legacy is now continued by four Trustees who use their expertise to oversee careful management of the fund in line with the couple’s wishes and experiences, focusing in the following areas:

  • Care leavers
  • Violence against women and girls
  • Supporting the Supporters
  • Mental Health
  • Suicide prevention
  • Loneliness
  • Bereavement

Ready to apply?

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to submit an application, apply at the bottom of this page.

Apply now

Not sure where to start?

If this is your first time applying to us start by reading the Application Process & Guidance. Here you can find useful information and resources to guide you through the application process.

If you’d like to speak to our Outreach Officer you can find contact details at the bottom of this page.

Key dates & decisions

Below are the key dates to note for this grant.
Application open: 17 September 2025
Application deadline: 24 October 2025
Pannel discussion: November 2025
Grant decision: December 2025
Estimated deposit: December 2025

Grants FAQ

You might have some questions about the application process, check our grants FAQ for answers to common questions.

Start an application

Before starting an application, check your organisation is eligible, and that have your supporting documents ready.

Accessible application submissions

If you have additional needs and would like support completing your application, please contact us on 01566 779333 or email us at grants@cornwallfoundation.com

Apply now:

You’ve checked our criteria, found the right grant for you and have all your documents ready so let’s start your application.

Apply now

If you've applied before

You’ve found the right grant so let’s get your application in. When you log into your account you’ll find that key documents are saved along with lots of information you’ve already provided.

Get support applying today

If you aren’t sure if one of our grants is right for you, you can contact our Community Outreach Officer. Shannon can answer your questions and guide you through the process. Book a Grant Support Call.

For questions about this grant contact Lisa on the details below.

Lisa Dymond

Grants Officer

lisa.dymond@cornwallfoundation.com