Information about the Community Projects Fund and how to apply
About the fund
The £500,000 Community Projects Fund is designed to support community-led projects that improve local facilities, enhance wellbeing and strengthen community resilience across the borough. The fund puts borough councillors at the heart of their communities as they will endorse applications on behalf of eligible groups.
Eligible projects
The fund will support projects that can deliver demonstrable public benefit to address an identifiable need. Projects must be completed by 31 March 2028.
Examples of projects that can be supported include (but are not limited to):
- Improvements to community buildings, play areas, or sports facilities
- Projects enhancing local green spaces or environmental sustainability
- Activities promoting health, wellbeing, or social inclusion
- Community safety initiatives
- Digital or infrastructure improvements where there is a direct community benefit
Details of ineligible projects are available in our full criteria guidance document below.
Available funding
You can apply for:
- revenue funding of up to £5,000
- capital funding of up to £25,000
The scoring criteria are designed to support a larger number of smaller projects and ensure funding is distributed fairly across both rural and urban areas, with particular consideration given to rural communities.
Application process
If a project covers more than one ward, or the whole borough, the application would normally be submitted with the endorsement of the councillor representing the ward where the organisation's main address is located.
We strongly recommend that you read our guidance documents before proceeding to ensure you are in a position to answer all the questions on the application form.
Applicants are required to give a significant amount of detail about their proposal. We have produced guidance documents that will help you to understand what is needed to put together a strong application and how applications will be scored. We have also provided a document listing the questions you will be asked.
Guidance documents
Councillor endorsement
A key aspect of this scheme is giving councillors the opportunity to support projects in their wards. All applications must have councillor endorsement so it is essential that councillors and organisations or groups discuss proposals together before applications are submitted. The application may be submitted by either the councillor or the applicant organisation.
Application deadlines
Round 1 applications open on 31 July 2026 and close on 2 October 2026.
A second round of applications is planned for Spring 2027, depending on how many applications we receive in round one.
Apply for the grant
Complete and submit the application form below.
Applications close on 2 October 2026.