Community Grant Fund - two weeks to submit your application 

Applications close Friday 19 July 10 am

Friends of Warden Abbey Vineyard with new grounds maintenance equipment purchased with grant funding from 2023/2024

The second round of the Community Grant Fund is open for applications for community-benefitting projects as part of our ongoing commitment to support economic and community development.   

Applications opened on Monday 10 June and close in two weeks on Friday 19 July 2024 at 10 am.  

With a focus on inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability, this scheme provides financial support to projects that address community needs and create lasting impact. Eleven organisations benefitted from grants in the previous round of funding in 23/24, delivering a wide variety of projects, but all with the aim of improving Central Bedfordshire.    

Voluntary, community and social enterprise groups, and town and parish councils in Central Bedfordshire can apply for a portion of the £298,155. Grants are available from £3,000 to £40,000 for individuals and organisations alike.  

Match funding is required of 20% and any permissions, including planning, must already have been sought. Projects will need to evidence the spending of the funds by the end of December 2024.  

All projects must also meet one or more of the following UK Shared Prosperity Fund intervention objectives:   

• Support for local arts, cultural, heritage and creative activities   

• Impactful volunteering and/or social action projects  

• Capital funding to Improve buildings and facilities and build resilience against flooding  

• Develop green spaces and woodlands within neighbourhoods for recreational and environmental benefit and community well-being. 

If you’re part of an eligible group, we’d encourage you to consider applying! 

Support is available

Submit your application by 12 July and benefit from a review of the paperwork

Those submitting their applications by 12 July will be able to take advantage of a review of the paperwork which will include a check to ensure that all necessary information has been provided and that no essential paperwork has been forgotten. 

You can also watch a recorded session of a Meet the Funder session which provides detailed information and guidance on how to make an application. 

Key sessions covered in the video include: 

• Overview of UK Shared Prosperity (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)    

• UKSPF and REPF investment themes and objectives of the fund    

• Examples of previously funded projects  

• What will be funded and who can apply    

• Timetable    

• How to apply    

• How will your application be assessed  

• What we will need from you    

Find out more information, watch the video and make an application visit our website. UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund Community Grants Scheme | Central Bedfordshire Council

Visit our website for information on how to contact us.