Deadline: 19-Jun-2026
The Community Grants Fund supports not-for-profit organisations in Chesterfield, UK, to deliver local projects that improve neighbourhood wellbeing, sustainability, and social inclusion. It funds initiatives such as environmental action, volunteering, mental health support, and community development, with grants typically ranging from £500 to £6,000 and larger capital funding up to £50,000.
What is the Community Grants Fund?
The Community Grants Fund is a local funding programme supporting grassroots organisations in Chesterfield borough to improve community wellbeing, resilience, and environmental sustainability.
It is funded through:
- Community Infrastructure Levy (Neighbourhoods portion)
- Chesterfield Town Board’s “Pride in Place” programme
- UK Government-backed local development funding
Purpose of the Fund
The fund aims to:
- Strengthen local communities in Chesterfield
- Improve health, wellbeing, and safety in neighbourhoods
- Support environmental sustainability and greener living
- Encourage volunteering and civic participation
- Reduce social isolation and support vulnerable groups
Key Focus Areas
Community wellbeing and inclusion
- Mental health and wellbeing initiatives
- Social inclusion programmes
- Support for vulnerable populations
- Reducing loneliness and isolation
Environmental sustainability
- Recycling and waste reduction projects
- Energy efficiency improvements
- Renewable energy adoption
- Sustainable transport initiatives
- Promoting greener lifestyle choices
Community development
- Community hubs and shared spaces
- Gardening and green space projects
- Outdoor learning initiatives
- Access to local services
- Volunteer development programmes
Funding Details
Grant sizes
- Small grants: £500 – £6,000
- Capital projects: up to £50,000
- Total fund availability (2026–2027): over £250,000
Funding structure
- 2026–2028 funding period
- Distributed in tranches over multiple cycles
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants:
- Not-for-profit organisations based in Chesterfield borough
Required conditions:
- Must have a written constitution or governing rules
- Must have a dedicated organisational bank account
- Must maintain proper financial records
- Must have governance structures in place
Project requirements:
- Must take place within Chesterfield borough
- Must be open and accessible to the community
- Activities must start after grant approval
- Projects must be completed within the funded timeframe
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
Eligible project types include:
- Community wellbeing and mental health initiatives
- Environmental improvement projects
- Volunteer-led community programmes
- Local infrastructure and community hubs
- Green energy and sustainability initiatives
- Social inclusion activities
- Waste reduction and recycling programmes
- Gardening and urban greening projects
- Sustainable travel initiatives
How the Fund Works
- Local organisations identify community needs
- A project proposal is developed
- Application is submitted to the Community Grants Fund
- Eligibility and governance checks are completed
- Applications are assessed based on community impact
- Funding is awarded in approved tranches
- Projects are delivered within the agreed timeframe
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without required governance documents
- Submitting projects outside Chesterfield borough
- Proposing activities that are not community-accessible
- Missing clear environmental or wellbeing outcomes
- Starting work before grant approval
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly show community impact and benefit
- Align with sustainability and wellbeing priorities
- Demonstrate strong local need
- Provide realistic timelines and budgets
- Highlight volunteer and community involvement
- Ensure governance and financial clarity
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the Community Grants Fund?
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Must be based in Chesterfield borough
- Must have proper governance and financial systems
- What is the funding amount available?
- Small grants range from £500 to £6,000
- Capital projects can receive up to £50,000
- Total fund exceeds £250,000 for 2026–2027
- What types of projects are supported?
- Community wellbeing and mental health
- Environmental sustainability initiatives
- Volunteer programmes
- Social inclusion and anti-isolation projects
- Community infrastructure and green projects
- Where must projects take place?
- Within Chesterfield borough only
- Must be open to local communities
- When must projects start and finish?
- Must begin after funding approval
- Must be completed within the funded timeframe
- What makes a strong application?
- Clear community benefit
- Strong alignment with fund priorities
- Good governance and financial planning
- Measurable outcomes and impact
Conclusion
The Community Grants Fund is a targeted funding programme that strengthens neighbourhoods in Chesterfield by supporting grassroots organisations. It promotes wellbeing, sustainability, and social inclusion through practical, community-led projects that create long-term local impact.
For more information, visit Chesterfield Borough Council.