Council’s Community Fund re-opens

South Kesteven District Council’s Community Fund has re-opened with new funding criteria.

The deadline to apply for the first round is 30 May 2023.

Since the fund was launched in 2015, it has approved grants totalling £703,000 to support charities, faith and community groups, parish councils and social enterprises.

Community projects or events can apply for up to 80% of costs to a maximum of £5,000, with the remaining 20% funded by the applicant.

The small grants scheme can fund 100% of project and event costs up to £2,000, with no match funding required.

New criteria include:

the opportunity to fund repeat events or projects

requiring only two quotes for costs over £50

requirement for endorsement by local councillors

A council spokesperson said: “The fund has so far awarded one-off grants for projects and events with any further application needing to be for a significantly different project.

“Groups are still be restricted to one application per financial year, but events or projects no longer need to be significantly different – and the previous maximum of three successful bids will be removed.

“Councillor endorsement will help increase local awareness of projects and the funding needed.  This will be from the applicant’s ward councillor(s) if the project is within an electoral Ward or the Chairman of the Council for district-wide projects.”

Refurbishment of community buildings will no longer be funded as external funding opportunities and the Council’s SK Shared Prosperity Fund now offer new sources of funding.

SKDC’s Community Grants and Funding Officer can support local groups to access suitable sources of funding. Community Fund enquiries and application forms from communityfund@southkesteven.gov.uk