Grants up to £5,000 to not‑for‑profit organisations across the UK for projects that strengthen communities, build digital confidence, improve the environment and help people access skills for the future.
Cellnex, Europe's leading operator of telecommunications infrastructure is launching the Cellnex UK Community Fund, a new grant programme that will invest directly in the Local Authority areas where its digital infrastructure operates across the UK. This includes Bath & North East Somerset Council's area.
The fund will award grants of up to £5,000 to individual organisations in its first year, representing a total investment of £180,000. Grants are available across four themes:
- digital inclusion and skills
- the circular economy
- biodiversity and conservation
- AI and education
Applications are open to formally constituted organisations that can enter into a grant agreement, including registered charities, Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs), Community Interest Companies (CICs) limited by guarantee, and other not-for-profit organisations with a governing document and a UK bank account. Unregistered community groups are welcome to apply provided they are supported by a constituted organisation acting as an accountable body.
Projects must deliver their primary benefit in a local authority area where Cellnex UK operates digital infrastructure. Organisations based outside an eligible area may still apply provided the funded activity takes place within one.
Grants can be used to cover the practical costs of delivering a project, including materials and equipment, venue hire directly related to project activities, volunteer expenses including travel, training and DBS checks, and a reasonable contribution to administrative costs. Grants cannot be used to cover staff salaries, general organisational running costs, retrospective funding or debt repayment.
Funding decisions are made by an impartial employee-led board drawn from across the Cellnex UK business. Applications are assessed on two factors: geographic alignment with Cellnex UK infrastructure and the scale of direct community benefit expected. Every recipient is required to submit an impact report at the end of their project as a condition of funding.
Organisations can check their eligibility and apply via the Cellnex Community Fund website. Full eligibility criteria, guidance notes and application deadlines are also available on the website.