A Community Interest Company, or CIC, is a type of limited company with a community purpose at its heart. It has been a legal structure in the UK since 2005 and there are now over 30,000 of them registered across the country. The reason so many people choose a CIC is that it sits right in the sweet spot between a charity and a limited company. Like a charity it can apply for grant funding — proper grants, the big ones, National Lottery, Arts Council, Heritage Fund, the lot. B

If you are thinking about setting up a Community Interest Company in 2026, you are in the right place. After 14 years of running CICs and helping over 1,000 community organisations get set up and funded across the UK, here is exactly what I would do — and what has changed this year that you need to know about. What Is a CIC and Is It Still Worth It in 2026? Absolutely yes. A CIC sits in between a charity and a limited company, and that is exactly what makes it so powerful. Li

I have over 14 years of experience applying for grants — not just for my own CICs but through CIC Tribe, where I have helped over 1,000 community organisations secure more than £50 million in funding. So when I say I know what is hot and what is not right now, I mean it. These are my favourite grants. The ones I get excited about. The ones I see people winning every single day. And the opportunities here are massive — genuinely life changing, not just for your career and your

Some food for thought as we wrap up our festive break and begin to think about going back to work mode next week! If your anything like me you will be thinking how lovely it was to relax this last couple of weeks, but also how you love your CIC work and can’t wait to get back to it. Added to this, is that niggling thought… ‘if only I had the money to work when I want and on projects I love without the stress, burnout and hassle that come with juggling my main job and doing al

Let’s be honest for a second, running a CIC can feel like you’re spinning plates while juggling flaming batons. You’re not just writing...

Thirteen year on from quitting my 9-5 job. Life in my sea side town running a successful CIC and LTD I remember being in your shoes. I...

Last week, 17 of us, including 15 passionate CIC Tribe members, embarked on a transformative journey to the stunning Jacó Beach area in...

If you thought all you needed to do was apply for grants and sit back waiting while your whole life, dream and career hangs in the...

In a fast paced world of scams and AI bots, it is relatable people and personal stories that create trust and boost engagement and sales....

I am absolutely passionate about memberships and I am convinced all Community Interest Companies should have one, and some LTD’s. Let me...

In this age of chaos, with global turmoil, mass migrations due to wars and climate disasters, and our local councils struggling to stay...

Community interest companies usually come from one persons dream. But to be sustainable they need to grow bigger than just you doing all...

During my eleven years of running CIC projects I have done a huge range of creative arts projects. It is the easiest way to get more...

We are motivated by our passions but we need to be practical first. When starting a CIC the first project should be one that's easy to...

One of the toughest problems we all face when starting and running a new CIC is finding the time to do the work we want to do. A CIC has...

Part of my mission is to help people grow sustainable CIC. As incredibly as grant funding there are pro's and con's. Many CIC's give up...

As a CIC coach I want you all to know what's possible. I am living proof of what I preach! You can start a CIC and design a new life for...

Economies boom and bust and we all know we are currently in a period of downturn. Times are very tough with inflation, increases on...

Founding a community interest company will have you feeling like you could conquer the world. It opens up so many opportunities and...

Far too many of us suffer from time poverty. With most people in employed jobs and spending their spare time, commuting, parenting,...