Request for Applications: Community Infrastructure Levy Fund (UK)

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Fund provides grants to voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations for capital infrastructure projects that benefit communities in Gateshead. Grants of up to £25,000 can support building repairs, energy-efficiency improvements, renewable energy installations, and the creation or improvement of community spaces, with larger awards possible for projects demonstrating significant community impact.

What Is the Community Infrastructure Levy Fund?

The Community Infrastructure Levy Fund supports capital infrastructure improvements in Gateshead using contributions collected from new property and building developments.

The fund is intended to improve local facilities, community buildings, and amenities so that residents and community organisations can benefit from better-quality and more sustainable infrastructure.

Funding is primarily intended for capital projects, rather than routine operating or revenue expenditure.

What Projects Can the CIL Fund Support?

The fund can support projects that create tangible, long-term improvements to community infrastructure.

Examples of eligible or previously supported improvements include:

• Building repairs and refurbishment.
• Roof replacement.
• Replacement or installation of windows to improve energy efficiency.
• Solar panel installations.
• Renewable energy systems.
• Energy-efficiency upgrades.
• Improvements to kitchens and shower facilities.
• Creation or improvement of community spaces.
• Heritage gardens and other community infrastructure improvements.

Projects should demonstrate a clear benefit to local residents and community groups.

How Much Funding Is Available?

Eligible applicants can generally apply for up to £25,000.

Larger grants may be considered for projects that:

• Demonstrate significant community impact.
• Provide strong value for money.
• Deliver sustainable infrastructure improvements.
• Meet the fund’s objectives.
• Can be supported within available funding.

Receiving the maximum amount is not guaranteed.

Who Is Eligible?

The fund is aimed at organisations within the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector.

Eligible applicants include organisations that:

• Operate within Gateshead.
• Are based in or can demonstrate benefit to the fund’s target wards.
• Deliver clear benefits to the local community.
• Have the capacity to manage and complete the proposed capital project.

Organisations located outside the target wards may still be considered where they can demonstrate a clear and substantial benefit to the relevant Gateshead community.

What Are the Main Project Requirements?

Projects should produce a lasting infrastructure benefit and be financially sustainable.

Applicants should ensure that:

• The project is genuinely capital in nature.
• The proposed work benefits local communities.
• The organisation has the necessary authority to carry out the work.
• Required permissions are obtained.
• Project costs are supported by appropriate quotations.
• The completed infrastructure can be maintained sustainably.
• The project does not create ongoing revenue costs for Gateshead Council.

What Documents Are Required?

Applicants should prepare a comprehensive supporting package.

This can include:

• A detailed project budget.
• Three quotes for proposed works or purchases.
• Relevant insurance documentation.
• Asset documentation.
• Evidence of ownership or permission to use the property.
• Owner approval for building works.
• Professional reports where required.
• Planning, building, or other relevant permissions where applicable.

The exact documentation required may vary depending on the nature and scale of the project.

How to Apply

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm that your organisation is part of the voluntary, community, or social enterprise sector and that the proposed project will benefit the relevant Gateshead community.

Step 2: Define the Infrastructure Need

Clearly explain what needs to be repaired, upgraded, replaced, or created.

Describe the current condition or problem and why investment is necessary.

Step 3: Demonstrate Community Benefit

Explain who will benefit from the project and how the improved infrastructure will improve community services, accessibility, sustainability, or local quality of life.

Step 4: Obtain Quotes

Secure three quotes for the proposed works, equipment, or other eligible capital expenditure where required.

Use these quotations to develop a realistic project budget.

Step 5: Secure Property Permissions

For building-related projects, confirm ownership or obtain written approval from the property owner.

Arrange any professional surveys, reports, planning permissions, or other approvals required for the work.

Step 6: Prepare the Application

Provide a clear explanation of:

• The project.
• The identified need.
• The expected community impact.
• Total project costs.
• Amount requested.
• Other funding contributions.
• Project timetable.
• Long-term sustainability.

Step 7: Submit the Application

Submit the completed application with all required supporting documentation. Incomplete applications or projects without the necessary permissions and financial information may face difficulties during assessment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for revenue costs: The CIL Fund is primarily designed for capital infrastructure.
• Providing fewer than the required quotes: Prepare three quotes for proposed works or purchases where required.
• Failing to demonstrate local benefit: Explain specifically how Gateshead residents and community groups will benefit.
• Ignoring property permissions: Building projects should have appropriate owner approval and professional documentation.
• Underestimating project costs: Use current quotations and prepare a realistic budget.
• Creating ongoing council costs: Projects should not create continuing revenue costs for Gateshead Council.
• Ignoring sustainability: Explain how the organisation will maintain and use the improved infrastructure after the project is completed.

Why It Matters

The CIL Fund enables local organisations to turn development-related contributions into practical improvements for community infrastructure.

Investment in energy efficiency, renewable energy, accessibility, repairs, community spaces, and other long-term assets can improve the quality and sustainability of facilities used by local residents.

For organisations with a clearly defined infrastructure need, the fund can provide substantial capital support while strengthening the long-term community value of local buildings and facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Community Infrastructure Levy Fund?

It is a Gateshead funding programme that uses Community Infrastructure Levy contributions from new developments to support capital infrastructure projects benefiting local communities.

How much can organisations receive?

Grants of up to £25,000 are generally available. Larger awards may be considered for projects with significant community impact, subject to available funding.

Who can apply?

Voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations based in Gateshead or able to demonstrate clear benefits to eligible target wards can apply.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects can include building repairs, energy-efficiency improvements, solar and renewable energy installations, community spaces, facility upgrades, and other sustainable capital infrastructure improvements.

Are organisations outside the target wards eligible?

They may be considered if they can demonstrate a clear benefit to the relevant local Gateshead community.

How many quotes are required?

Applicants should provide three quotes for proposed works or items, along with the other required financial and asset documentation.

Can the funding create ongoing costs for Gateshead Council?

Projects should not create ongoing revenue costs for Gateshead Council. Applicants should demonstrate that the completed infrastructure can be sustained and maintained appropriately.

Conclusion

The Community Infrastructure Levy Fund provides an opportunity for Gateshead VCSE organisations to secure significant capital funding for improvements that create lasting community benefits. Projects with strong local impact, realistic budgets, appropriate permissions, multiple quotations, and a clear plan for long-term sustainability are best positioned to demonstrate their value.