Community and voluntary groups set to benefit from new fund

Article date: August 7th 2024

The fund, approved by Cabinet this week, will see community groups and organisations be put forward for grant funding to support a range of activities and projects that will support or improve community wellbeing in the area.

Only projects or activities that do not require any ongoing costs such as maintenance or revenue that the council would be liable for will be considered.

Every ward councillor will be able to submit applications on behalf of groups for up to £2,000 per year with two windows for applications, with applications opening for one month in September and January 2025 for the year 2024/25, then for 2025/26 the windows will open in June 2025 and January 2026.

Councillor Martin Bond, Cabinet Member for Finance and Governance, said: "We know that there are so many amazing community groups that are doing amazing things everyday for our residents and we want to make it easier for the council to show their support when a little bit of funding could make a world of difference. This new Grant Scheme will be in operation from September and is an opportunity for members to submit applications for up to £2,000 grant funding on behalf of eligible groups as a contribution towards projects or activities.

"The new Grant Scheme focuses on community groups with the funding going directly from the council to them. More details will be released next month for the opening of the first application window for applications to be submitted."

Groups that receive a grant will be required to sign a grant agreement with terms and conditions. 

To see the full details and eligibility criteria for applications, see the guidelines.