Deadline: 01-Mar-2026
The Mid Suffolk District Council’s Gateway 14 Community Benefit Fund provides grants of up to £5,000 to organisations within a five-mile radius of the Gateway 14 business, innovation, and logistics park in East Anglia. Funding supports both capital and revenue projects that address local needs, enhance skills, education, sustainability, innovation, environment, and sport, and benefit the wider community. The fund aims to ensure local communities share in the opportunities generated by the Gateway 14 development.
Programme Overview
The Gateway 14 Community Benefit Fund was established to enable local organisations to benefit from the growth and investment of the Gateway 14 business, innovation, and logistics park. Grants support projects that deliver tangible benefits to the community, improve facilities and services, and foster social cohesion and wellbeing. Funding is awarded annually, with organisations eligible to submit one application per financial year.
Key Objectives
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Support skills and education initiatives for local communities.
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Promote sustainability and environmental improvements.
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Encourage innovation in services and community-led projects.
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Enhance sport and physical wellbeing opportunities.
Who Is Eligible?
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Constituted voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise organisations.
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Organisations that are financially viable and demonstrate good governance, safeguarding, and equal opportunities practices.
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Organisations based within five miles of Gateway 14 or providing services that directly benefit residents in the eligible area.
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Organisations may apply once per financial year.
Grant Details
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Funding Amount: Up to £5,000 per project.
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Coverage: Up to 100% of project costs, including revenue and capital expenses.
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Annual Budget: Total of £30,000 available each year.
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Match Funding: Not required, but additional contributions may strengthen applications.
Eligible Activities
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Capital Projects: Repairs or improvements to community facilities, sports infrastructure, and public social spaces.
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Revenue Projects: Essential running costs, delivery of community services, and initiatives that reduce isolation, strengthen social connections, and improve wellbeing.
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Projects must align with at least one of the following priority areas:
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Skills and Education
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Sustainability and Environment
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Innovation
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Sport
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How to Apply / How It Works
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Identify Local Need: Demonstrate clear community need and potential impact.
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Prepare a Project Proposal: Include objectives, activities, outcomes, and budget.
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Submit Application: One application per organisation per financial year.
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Evaluation: Applications are assessed for alignment with priorities, community benefit, and organisational capacity.
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Grant Award: Successful applicants receive funding for eligible costs.
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Project Delivery and Reporting: Implement project, monitor outcomes, and submit reports as required by the Council.
Common Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
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Ensure the project directly benefits the local community within the five-mile radius.
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Align applications clearly with one or more priority areas.
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Provide detailed budget and cost breakdowns for capital or revenue expenses.
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Demonstrate organisational capacity, governance, and experience in project delivery.
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Clearly show how the project will deliver tangible community benefits.
FAQ
1. Who can apply for the Gateway 14 Community Benefit Fund?
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Constituted voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise organisations within five miles of Gateway 14 or serving local residents.
2. What is the maximum grant amount?
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Up to £5,000 per project.
3. Are match funding contributions required?
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No, but additional contributions may strengthen applications.
4. What types of projects are eligible?
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Skills and education, sustainability, environment, innovation, sport, capital improvements, and revenue projects that benefit the community.
5. How often can an organisation apply?
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Once per financial year.
6. Can funding cover both revenue and capital costs?
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Yes, funding can be used for repairs, facility improvements, operational costs, and project delivery.
7. What is the total annual budget for the fund?
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£30,000 per year.
Conclusion
The Gateway 14 Community Benefit Fund provides vital support to local organisations in East Anglia, enabling them to deliver projects that enhance skills, education, sustainability, innovation, and sport. By funding both capital and revenue initiatives, the program strengthens community resilience, improves wellbeing, and ensures that the benefits of the Gateway 14 development are shared locally.
For more information, visit Mid Suffolk District Council.