--- title: Practical guide to running community projects date: 2026-09-16T16:44:00+01:00 author: Polly Taylor canonical_url: "https://cuf.org.uk/resources/delivering-projects/community-projects-guide" section: Pages --- --- # Practical guide to running community projects A practical guide for community groups and faith organisations, covering the key responsibilities needed to run projects safely, legally and sustainably. This resource will help you understand what is expected, why it matters and where to find further support. ![Two women wearing aprons and peeling vegetables in a community centre kitchen](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_1008x567_crop_center-center_82_none/MSP_CUF_23APR26_8843.jpg?v=1789569813) ## Why this guide matters? Running a successful community project involves more than having a great idea. As your work grows, you’ll need to think about protecting the people you support, managing money responsibly, working safely, supporting volunteers and meeting your legal responsibilities. This guide will help you to: 1. Understand the practical responsibilities involved in running a community project. 2. Put simple, proportionate systems and policies in place that protect your organisation and the people you support. 3. Build confidence with volunteers, funders, partners and your local community. 4. Find trusted sources to strengthen credibility and future sustainability. **How to use this guide** You can dip into the sections most relevant to you organisation, or work through them as your project develops. Each section also signposts to trusted sources where you can find more detailed or specialist guidance. Building an inclusive and sustainable organisation Building an inclusive and sustainable organisation by advancing diversity, equity and inclusion while promoting environmental responsibility. [ Diversity, equity and inclusion (opens in a new tab) PDF 500 KB ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/DEI.pdf?v=1789571920) [ Environmental responsibility (opens in a new tab) PDF 841 KB ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/Environmental-responsibility.pdf?v=1789571962) Keeping people safe Keeping people safe by ensuring effective safeguarding, risk management, insurance coverage, first aid and mental health support, and food health and safety standards. [ Safeguarding PDF 162 KB ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/Safeguarding.pdf?v=1789572371) [ Risk assessments (opens in a new tab) PDF 162 KB ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/Risk-assessments.pdf?v=1789572370) [ Insurance PDF 113 KB ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/Insurance.pdf?v=1789572370) [ First aid and mental health first aid (opens in a new tab) PDF 172 KB ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/First-aid-and-mental-health-first-aid.pdf?v=1789572369) [ Food health and safety PDF 164 KB ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/Food-health-and-safety.pdf?v=1789572369) Running your organisation Running your organisation effectively by working with statutory agencies, recruiting and managing volunteers and employees, handling finances, ensuring data protection compliance, and choosing the right legal structure or charitable status. [ Liaising with statutory agencies (opens in a new tab) PDF 740 KB ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/Liaising-with-statutory-agencies.pdf?v=1789573050) [ Recruiting and managing volunteers (opens in a new tab) PDF 724 KB ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/Recruting-and-managing-volunteers.pdf?v=1789573064) [ Recruiting and managing paid employees (opens in a new tab) PDF 161 KB ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/Recruiting-and-managing-paid-employees.pdf?v=1789573064) [ Handling money (opens in a new tab) PDF 113 KB ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/Handling-money.pdf?v=1789573017) [ Data protection and GDPR (opens in a new tab) PDF 161 KB ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/Data-protection-and-GDPR.pdf?v=1789573017) [ Becoming a charity and choosing a structure (opens in a new tab) PDF 161 KB ](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/documents/Becoming-a-charity-and-choosing-a-structure.pdf?v=1789573017) ![A woman holding a baby while an older woman leans in to talk to the baby](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_400x225_crop_center-center_82_none/Together-in-prayer-p2-options-5.jpg?v=1789573229) **Removing barriers to participation** The Bridge Community Church in Leeds hosts weekly English language and wellbeing sessions for women through the Women Arise project. The organisers recognised that childcare could prevent many women from attending, so they provide a crèche where participants can leave their children during the sessions. By identifying a practical barrier and responding to it, the project has made it easier for more women to access support, build confidence and connect with others in their community. ## More help with project delivery - ![](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_528x297_crop_center-center_82_none/20240218-Portrayed-Photography-IMG_6794.jpg?v=1787219062) ### [Project planning, funding and evaluation toolkit](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/delivering-projects/project-planning) This guide helps churches and small community groups plan, fund and evaluate impactful projects. Whether you are launching something new or refining an existing project, it will help you create a clear vision, secure funding, and show your impact to supporters and funders. - ![](https://cuf.org.uk/assets/images/_528x297_crop_center-center_82_none/20240911-IMG_2272-Portrayed-Photography.jpg?v=1786459333) ### [Managing volunteers](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/delivering-projects/volunteering-resources) A comprehensive guide to working well with volunteers, with editable templates for risk assessments, expectations, problem solving, expenses and more.