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 submit 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.
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
Only a borough councillor can submit an application. If a project covers more than one ward, or the whole borough, the application would normally be submitted by the councillor representing the ward where the organisation's main address is located.
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 1
Further details of the fund are available in our criteria and scoring guidance and how to submit a strong application guidance documents.
Before you apply
Before applying please make sure you have:
- reviewed the eligibility criteria
- completed a project description
- included evidence of community need
- explained the benefits to the community
- completed a project budget
- attached quotations where available
- identified match funding where available
- included a delivery plan
- identified any risks
- confirmed the project will be completed by 31 March 2028
- demonstrated financial need
- explained how the project will be sustained
- understood the monitoring requirements
- attached supporting documents
- completed any exceptional circumstances sections, where applicable
- obtained councillor endorsement
Apply for the grant
Applications can be submitted here. The application form will be live by Friday 31 July 2026.