The Small Capital Grant Program provides funding of up to £3,750 to support small, high-quality capital projects that deliver clear benefits to local communities. The program funds capital works, equipment, and early-stage technical assistance, particularly projects that enhance accessibility, safety, and community participation. Eligible applicants are formally constituted, community-managed, not-for-profit organisations operating at the local level.

Small Capital Grant Program

Program Overview

The Small Capital Grant Program supports community-led capital initiatives where only a proportion of the total project cost is required. The program focuses on delivering high-impact, small-scale capital projects that improve community facilities, safety, accessibility, and participation within the Borough. Funding is intended to complement other resources and enable projects that might otherwise be delayed or underfunded.

Key Objectives and Focus Areas

The program aims to:

Improve community infrastructure through small capital investments
Enhance accessibility, safety, and inclusion
Support sustainable and well-planned community facilities
Enable early-stage planning for future capital projects

Priority Focus Areas

Capital works and construction-related projects
Purchase of equipment and fixtures
Technical assistance linked to capital projects, up to and including the design stage

What Types of Projects Are Funded?

Capital Works and Infrastructure

Eligible capital works include:

New community facilities such as venues, halls, and pitches
Renovation, refurbishment, and modernisation of existing buildings
Extensions and conversions
Flooring and ground improvement works
Lighting, electrical rewiring, plumbing, and heating systems

Accessibility, Safety, and Inclusion Improvements

The fund prioritises projects that:

Improve disability access
Strengthen child protection and safeguarding measures
Enhance safety and usability of community spaces
Enable greater participation in community life

Equipment and Fixtures

Funding may be used for:

Programme delivery equipment
Maintenance and operational equipment
Fixtures and fittings directly related to the capital project

Planning, Design, and Technical Support

The program can also support:

Business plans linked to future capital projects
Feasibility studies directly related to the organisation’s core activity
Professional and legal fees associated with capital expenditure

Land purchase costs are excluded unless land is acquired through a Council-nominated Valuer, with all related costs met by the applicant.

Additional Eligible Costs

The grant may also cover:

Non-recoverable VAT
Capital costs supporting mobile services in rural areas
Expenditure required to meet health and safety regulations
Energy efficiency measures
Actions that reduce long-term maintenance costs, such as bore well installations

Funding Amount

Maximum grant available: £3,750
Funding supports projects requiring partial funding, not full project costs

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligible Organisations

Applicants must be:

Formally constituted organisations
Community-managed and autonomous
Operating on a not-for-personal-profit basis
Working at a local community level
Delivering activities for the wider benefit of the community

Informal groups or organisations operating for private or personal gain are not eligible.

Why This Program Matters

Small-scale capital improvements often deliver disproportionately large community benefits. This program helps local organisations improve safety, accessibility, and service quality while strengthening community infrastructure. By supporting partial funding needs, the scheme enables projects to move forward efficiently and sustainably.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Organisational Eligibility

Ensure your organisation is formally constituted, community-managed, and not-for-profit.

Step 2: Define the Capital Need

Clearly identify the capital works, equipment, or technical assistance required and how it benefits the local community.

Step 3: Prepare Project Details

Develop a clear description of the project, costs, timelines, and how the grant will complement other funding sources.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Submit a completed application in line with the programme guidelines and deadlines set by the Borough.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for full project funding instead of partial support
Proposing non-capital or revenue-only activities
Weak explanation of community benefit
Including ineligible costs such as land purchase without Council approval
Lack of clarity on project readiness or feasibility

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum grant amount?

The maximum funding available is £3,750 per project.

Can the grant fund equipment purchases?

Yes, programme and maintenance equipment directly linked to the project are eligible.

Are renovation works eligible?

Yes, including extensions, refurbishments, electrical, plumbing, heating, and accessibility improvements.

Can the grant fund feasibility studies?

Yes, if the study is directly linked to a future capital project and the organisation’s core activity.

Is VAT an eligible cost?

Yes, non-recoverable VAT is eligible.

Can land purchase costs be funded?

Generally no, unless land is purchased through a Council-nominated Valuer with costs met by the applicant.

Who cannot apply?

Informal groups, private businesses, and organisations operating for personal profit are not eligible.

Conclusion

The Small Capital Grant Program offers targeted financial support to help community organisations deliver meaningful capital improvements with lasting local impact. Well-prepared, community-focused projects that enhance safety, accessibility, and participation are best positioned to succeed and generate long-term benefits for the Borough.