Supporting our communities

Rugby Borough Council works closely with key voluntary and community organisations that deliver vital services and strengthen local resilience. Our funding plays an active role in supporting their work, alongside other sources of funding these organisations secure themselves.

Key Partners

• BRANCAB (Citizens Advice) – We provide funding to support the delivery of free, independent advice on debt, housing, benefits and employment. In 2024/25, BRANCAB helped over 5,000 residents with 15,000 issues, achieving more than £6.2m in financial outcomes. Visit Rugby Citizens Advice. 
• WCAVA (Warwickshire Community and Voluntary Action) – Our funding helps WCAVA support the local VCFSE sector with training, funding advice, volunteering and capacity-building. In 2024/25, they supported 165 organisations, secured £547k in additional funding and placed 348 new volunteers. Visit WCAVA.
• Rugby Foodbank (Hope 4) – We provide funding to support the delivery of emergency food and crisis support for people in need. In 2024/25, they distributed 6,150 food parcels, including 2,327 for children. Rugby Foodbank was awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024. Visit Rugby Foodbank. 
• Community Associations and Partnerships – We also fund six Community Associations across Rugby’s most deprived wards. Each delivers tailored programmes to meet local needs, providing spaces, activities and opportunities for people to connect and thrive:

o    Benn Partnership Community Association
o    Brownsover Community Association
o    Long Lawford Community Association
o    New Bilton Community Association
o    Newbold on Avon Community Partnership
o    Overslade Community Association

Raise funding through Rugby Lotto – Rugby Lotto is the council’s lottery that helps local groups and charities raise money while giving resident the chance to support them.

Groups can register to raise funds, keeping 50% of ticket sales.
Residents can choose a cause and buy a weekly £1 ticket – with the chance to win up to £25,000.
Sign up for Rugby Lotto. 

Other funding opportunities – WCAVA shares up-to-date information on grants and income opportunities through their website, newsletter and annual Funding Fair. They also offer appointments for one-to-one funding advice, including support with applications. 
Visit WCAVA funding support.

Support for groups – WCAVA’s dedicated team, based in their Rugby office, bring years of expertise and experience in supporting VCFSE sector organisations. Their website provides a wide range of resources and their group development officer can arrange one-to-one appointments to give tailored advice. Explore WCAVA support.

Rugby Borough Council works closely with Warwickshire County Council (WCC) to keep communities informed and connected. Together, we help local groups access opportunities, share news and strengthen networks across the borough.

WCC helps communities stay connected by:

• Rugby Communities Facebook page – get the latest local news and event updates and see what’s happening across your area.
• Fortnightly e-bulletins – delivered straight to community organisations, keeping you informed and ready to act. View the latest Rugby Bulletin.
• Community networking lunches – a chance for frontline workers, volunteers, group leaders, committee members, and council representatives to meet, exchange ideas and strengthen local connections. For news to share with local groups or to find out about upcoming networking lunches, contact cdwrugby@warwickshire.gov.uk
• Community leaflets and guides – the community development worker from WCC Community Partnerships develops and regularly updates short practical resources for Rugby communities. These include:

o    Job Clubs 2025
o    Rugby Lunch Clubs 2025
o    Mental Health Resources for Young People 2025
o    Mental Health and Wellbeing Support in Rugby 2025
o    Parent and Toddler Leaflet 2025
o    Rugby Warm Spaces 2025

Want to make a difference in your community? Here are some ways to get involved:

• Start a new or join an existing community group – WCAVA provides guidance and support for setting up new voluntary or community organisations or connecting with existing groups.
• Get your group registered and raise funds through Rugby Lotto.
• Support local causes by buying a Rugby Lotto ticket – Every ticket helps your community thrive.
• Stay updated & follow these Facebook pages:

o    Rugby Borough Council
o    The Rugby Town
o    Rugby Art Gallery and Museum
o    BENN Hall
o    Rugby Communities

• Contact us – Communities and Projects Team at Rugby Borough Council: projectsteam@rugby.gov.uk for information about funding, partnerships or support for community organisations.

Stay informed about Rugby Borough Council’s work with the VCFSE sector and the impact of our funded partners:

• VCFSE Consultation – August and September 2025

In August 2025, we invited our funded VCFSE partners to provide feedback on the Corporate Strategy 2025-35. This was followed by a workshop in September, facilitated by the Centre for Thriving Places, to explore future partnership opportunities and support for the sector. View the consultation workshop summary. 

• Partner Achievements

Discover the latest successes and impact stories from our funded VCS partners, including community initiatives, awards, and the difference they are making in Rugby. View achievements.