Deadline: 03-Aug-2026
The Community Grant Fund is a capital funding programme that supports local councils, parish bodies, and community organisations in delivering infrastructure and facility improvement projects that benefit local communities. The final funding round is an Underspend Round, open until 3 August 2026, with allocations based on local growth priorities.
The fund focuses on capital-only projects that improve community facilities, enable local participation, and address identified community needs. Eligible applicants include town/parish councils, constituted parish meetings, and qualified voluntary or community organisations with financial records and governance requirements in place.
What Is the Community Grant Fund?
The Community Grant Fund is a local government funding programme designed to support capital projects that improve community infrastructure and facilities.
It provides financial assistance to eligible organisations working at the community level to deliver projects that enhance public spaces, strengthen local services, and respond to identified local needs.
The fund is structured to ensure equitable distribution of resources based on local development and population growth allocations.
Funding Overview
The Community Grant Fund offers capital funding for eligible community-led projects.
Key funding details include:
- Funding type: Capital grants only
- Final round: Underspend Round
- Application deadline: 3 August 2026
- Total fund allocation: £1 million (distributed across areas)
- Funding basis: Local plan growth allocations
Funding is intended to support physical improvements and long-term community infrastructure.
Key Objectives and Focus Areas
The Community Grant Fund is designed to strengthen local communities through targeted capital investment.
Community Infrastructure Development
The fund supports improvements to local facilities such as:
- Community centres
- Village halls
- Public spaces
- Recreational facilities
- Local infrastructure assets
Supporting Community Projects
Projects must demonstrate clear community benefit, including:
- Improved access to local services
- Increased community participation
- Enhanced public amenities
- Strengthened local engagement
Addressing Local Needs
Applications must respond to identified community priorities such as:
- Gaps in local infrastructure
- Community development needs
- Population growth pressures
- Service accessibility improvements
Enabling Local Participation
Projects should encourage involvement from:
- Local residents
- Community groups
- Voluntary organisations
- Parish and town councils
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility is limited to specific types of local organisations.
Eligible Applicants
- Town councils
- Parish councils
- Constituted parish meetings
- Constituted community groups
- Voluntary organisations (meeting eligibility criteria)
Community Group Requirements
Eligible community or voluntary organisations must have:
- A bank account in the organisation’s name
- At least three years of financial accounts
- Proper governance and constitution
Additional Requirements
- Applications outside Market Harborough must be supported by the Parish Council or Parish Meeting
- Projects must reflect identified local community needs
- Each project requires a separate application
Eligible Project Types
The fund supports capital-only projects.
Capital Project Examples
Eligible projects may include:
- Construction or refurbishment of community buildings
- Upgrading local facilities and infrastructure
- Installation of public amenities
- Improvement of recreational spaces
- Development of shared community assets
What Is Not Funded
The fund does not support:
- Revenue or operational costs
- Salaries or staffing costs
- Routine maintenance
- Non-capital expenses
Funding Conditions and Requirements
Successful applicants must comply with strict funding conditions.
Grant Agreements
- Funding agreements are made directly with the delivering organisation
- Organisations are responsible for project delivery and compliance
Spending Timeline
- Funds must generally be spent within 1 year of receipt
- Extensions may be granted in exceptional cases
- Unused funds must be returned to the council
Collaboration Between Organisations
- Towns and parishes may submit joint applications
- Multiple organisations can collaborate on shared projects
- Each project must still have a separate application
Governance and Accountability
Applicants must:
- Provide Ward Councillor views as part of the application
- Demonstrate clear community support
- Maintain transparent financial management
Funding Allocation Model
A total of £1 million has been allocated under the Community Grant Fund.
Funding distribution is based on:
- Local plan growth allocations
- Population and development pressures
- Community infrastructure needs
- Geographic distribution across parishes and towns
This ensures funding is directed toward areas experiencing higher levels of growth and demand.
Application Process
Step 1: Identify a Community Need
Applicants must identify a clear infrastructure or facility gap within the community.
Step 2: Develop a Capital Project Proposal
Prepare a project plan that includes:
- Project objectives
- Community benefit explanation
- Budget breakdown
- Delivery timeline
Step 3: Secure Local Support
Obtain:
- Parish Council or Parish Meeting endorsement (if required)
- Ward Councillor input or views
Step 4: Submit Application
Submit a separate application for each individual project.
Step 5: Assessment and Approval
Applications are reviewed based on:
- Community impact
- Feasibility
- Alignment with funding priorities
- Financial and governance compliance
Key Benefits of the Community Grant Fund
The fund supports communities by:
- Improving local infrastructure
- Strengthening community engagement
- Enhancing public facilities
- Supporting population growth needs
- Enabling local decision-making
- Increasing access to shared spaces
It helps ensure long-term community development through targeted capital investment.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve success chances by:
- Clearly identifying a local need backed by evidence
- Demonstrating strong community support
- Providing a realistic and detailed budget
- Showing long-term sustainability of the project
- Aligning with local growth priorities
- Including clear project outcomes
- Engaging local councils early in the process
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid the following issues:
- Applying for non-capital (revenue) costs
- Submitting incomplete financial documentation
- Weak justification of community need
- Missing Parish Council or Ward Councillor input
- Unrealistic project timelines
- Lack of clear governance structure
- Submitting multiple projects under one application
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Community Grant Fund?
It is a capital funding programme supporting local councils and community organisations to improve community facilities and infrastructure.
What is the application deadline?
The final Underspend Round closes on 3 August 2026.
Who can apply?
Town and parish councils, constituted parish meetings, and eligible community or voluntary organisations.
What can the funding be used for?
Only capital projects such as facility upgrades, construction, or infrastructure improvements.
Is revenue funding allowed?
No. The fund only supports capital expenditure.
Can multiple organisations apply together?
Yes. Joint applications between towns and parishes are allowed.
How long do projects have to be completed?
Projects must generally be completed within one year of receiving funding.
Conclusion
The Community Grant Fund provides important capital investment support for local councils and community organisations working to improve infrastructure and public facilities. By focusing on capital projects aligned with local growth needs, the fund strengthens community spaces, enhances public services, and supports long-term local development.
For eligible organisations, this funding represents a valuable opportunity to deliver meaningful, visible improvements that directly benefit local residents and communities.
For more information, visit Harborough District Council.