Devon County Council still has funding available in this financial year to support groups and organisations across Devon with projects that are helping people who are struggling with rising energy and food costs.
Grants are available from the Growing Communities Fund to projects that support Devon communities wishing to build self-reliance, tackle hardship such as food and fuel inequality, improve mental health and wellbeing or address loneliness and isolation.
The Growing Communities Fund will commonly provide grant awards of between £500 and £1,000. You can apply for up to £3,000 if you feel you have an exemplary project and are able to accept payment in arrears.
Schemes that are eligible for funding can be new initiatives responding to an identified need, as well as those that link to established work but use innovation to improve efficiency and provision or reach a wider audience.
Applications for grant funding can be made by:
- Not for profit, voluntary or community groups, registered charities or social enterprises that are providing services or activities for the benefit of people and communities in Devon (at least 75% of beneficiaries need to be in the administrative area of Devon County Council)
- Parish or Town Councils, where the project or activity has a clear benefit to the local community and is not replacing statutory provision
- Schools, where the project or activity has a clear benefit to the wider community over and above statutory provision
- National charities, where there is a local branch that is managed locally and has its own bank account
- Churches or church groups, where the project or activity has a clear benefit to the wider community and is not promoting a specific religion or worship
- Community Interest Companies (CICs), limited by guarantee without share capital (further conditions apply: see website for details)
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Grants for innovative community projects to build self-reliance, community resilience and improve mental health and wellbeing
Application deadline:
Funding is to be used or allocated before 28 February 2025: the scheme will close sooner if the funding has been spent
Fund description:
https://www.devon.gov.uk/communities/growing-communities-fund