Community Resources

Charity / funder

Black Equity Organisation

A national organisation working to dismantle systemic barriers facing Black people in Britain, with work spanning economic empowerment, justice and health.

Who it helps

Black British individuals, communities and organisations.

Eligibility

Varies by initiative — see the official website.

Community organisation

Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN)

Works to reduce health inequalities experienced by people of African and Caribbean heritage, through community programmes, research and advocacy.

Who it helps

People of African and Caribbean heritage, and organisations serving them.

Eligibility

Varies by programme.

Government programme

Charity Commission — Set Up a Charity

Official step-by-step guidance on setting up and registering a charity.

Who it helps

People setting up a charity.

Eligibility

See official guidance for registration thresholds and requirements.

Archive / records

FamilySearch

A free genealogy website with searchable historical records and family trees, including some Caribbean records.

Who it helps

Anyone researching their family history.

Eligibility

Free account required for some features.

Advice service

NCVO — Setting Up an Organisation

Guidance from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations on choosing a structure and setting up a charity, CIC or community group.

Who it helps

Anyone planning to start a voluntary or community organisation.

Eligibility

Guidance is free to read; some resources may be for NCVO members.

Government programme

Start Up Loans (Government-backed)

A government-backed personal loan to start or grow a business, offered alongside free support and mentoring.

Who it helps

People starting a business, or who have been trading for a short time.

Eligibility

Check the official page for current age, residency and trading-time requirements.

This is a loan — it must be repaid with interest. It is not a grant.

Archive / records

The National Archives — Black British History Research Guide

Research guide to records on the experiences and influence of Black British people in the 20th century, including civil rights and race relations.

Who it helps

Researchers, students, teachers and anyone exploring Black British history.

Eligibility

Free to use.

Archive / records

The National Archives — Caribbean Ancestors Guide

An overview of records that can help trace Caribbean ancestors, including migration, military and colonial records.

Who it helps

Anyone researching Caribbean family history.

Eligibility

Free to use.

Charity / funder

The National Lottery Community Fund

The largest community funder in the UK, distributing National Lottery money to community groups and projects through a range of funding programmes.

Who it helps

Community groups, charities, CICs and voluntary organisations.

Eligibility

Varies by programme. Generally for organisations rather than individuals — check each programme's criteria on the official site.

Programmes open and close throughout the year.

Community organisation

The Ubele Initiative

An African diaspora-led organisation supporting Black and minoritised communities through community development, leadership programmes and support for community spaces.

Who it helps

African diaspora and minoritised community groups, leaders and organisations.

Eligibility

Depends on the programme — see the official website for current opportunities.

Community organisation

Ubele — Partnerships & Community Development

Ways for individuals and organisations to get involved with Ubele, including partnerships and community development opportunities.

Who it helps

Individuals, community groups and partner organisations.

Eligibility

Open to anyone interested in getting involved — details on the official page.

Government programme

UK Government — Business Finance & Support Finder

Official tool to search government-backed finance and support for businesses, including grants, loans, equity and expert help.

Who it helps

Businesses of all sizes, start-ups and social enterprises.

Eligibility

Each scheme listed has its own eligibility rules.

Some results are loans, which must be repaid.

Government programme

UK Government — Find a Grant

The official government service for searching grants offered by UK government departments and public bodies.

Who it helps

Organisations, businesses and charities looking for public grant funding.

Eligibility

Each grant listed sets its own eligibility rules.

Search service is always available; individual grants have their own deadlines.

Government programme

Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund (2026–27)

Official list of organisations funded by the Home Office to give free, independent advocacy support to people applying to the Windrush Compensation Scheme.

Who it helps

Members of the Windrush generation and their families making or considering a compensation claim.

Eligibility

For people affected by the Windrush scandal. Contact a listed organisation for support.