Deadline: 11-May-2026
The Community Grant Fund provides financial support to town, parish, and community organizations in the Harborough district for impactful local capital projects. The fund prioritizes community leadership, health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and local economic prosperity, enabling projects that deliver long-term benefits to residents.
What is the Community Grant Fund?
The Community Grant Fund is a £1 million capital funding programme designed for Town and Parish Councils, Parish Meetings, and constituted community organizations in the Harborough district. Its objective is to strengthen collaboration between the Council and local communities while enabling meaningful, community-led initiatives.
Key Focus Areas Include:
- Promoting pride in local areas through community leadership
- Enhancing health, wellbeing, and healthy lifestyles
- Creating a sustainable environment for future generations
- Supporting local businesses and residents to build a prosperous economy
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Town and Parish Councils
- Parish Meetings
- Constituted community organizations operating within the Harborough district
Eligibility requires that projects are community-focused, new, and aligned with at least one of the Council’s strategic priorities.
How the Fund Works
Funding and Implementation:
- Total capital funding pool: £1 million
- Round 3 applications close on 11 May 2026
- Funding distributed across the district to ensure fair access
Eligible Projects: - New capital projects that create long-term community assets
- Examples include facility upgrades, building improvements, or purchase and installation of equipment
- Routine maintenance or general repairs are generally not funded unless necessary for sustainability or heritage preservation
Project Requirements:
- Projects must not start before funding approval is granted
- Proposals should demonstrate clear public benefit
- Projects must align with Council priorities and community needs
- Applications should explain the necessity of the project and its wider community impact
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting applications for projects that have already started
- Proposing routine maintenance without clear sustainability justification
- Failing to demonstrate alignment with Council priorities or public benefit
- Neglecting equitable distribution or consideration of other parish projects
How to Apply
- Identify a new capital project that meets Council priorities and benefits the local community
- Prepare a proposal detailing project objectives, expected outcomes, and public impact
- Ensure project start date is after funding approval
- Seek guidance through live webinars or direct support from grants officers
- Submit your application before 11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply? Town and Parish Councils, Parish Meetings, and constituted community organizations in Harborough district.
- What types of projects are eligible? New capital projects creating long-term community assets, including building improvements, facility upgrades, or equipment purchases.
- Can routine maintenance be funded? Generally no, unless it is the most sustainable or appropriate solution, especially for heritage assets.
- When does Round 3 close? 11 May 2026.
- Are ongoing projects eligible? No, projects must not start before funding approval.
- How is funding allocated? Equitable distribution across parishes is considered to support multiple community groups.
- Is guidance available? Yes, through live webinars and support from grants officers.
Conclusion
The Community Grant Fund empowers Harborough district communities to deliver meaningful, long-term capital projects. By providing targeted funding and support, the programme promotes community leadership, sustainability, health, and economic prosperity, ensuring that projects benefit residents across the district effectively.
For more information, visit Harborough District Council.
