Voluntary groups, charities, and sports clubs are being encouraged to apply for new funding as Blaby District Council launches its Community Grants Scheme. A variety of grants are available, including up to £5,000 for improving facilities or switching to greener energy, as well as smaller grants of up to £500 for purchasing equipment or covering various costs.
Funding Opportunities
Thanks to long-term sponsor Everyone Active, there is also funding of up to £500 for projects that enhance the health and wellbeing of residents. Last year, approximately £66,500 was awarded to 36 different organisations, with around a third of these being first-time applicants.
Application Process
The scheme operates four grant rounds throughout the year. The deadline for applications in the first round is 5pm on Friday, June 5. A panel convenes after each deadline to decide which applications will receive funding.
Information Session
Grant seekers can join a Microsoft Teams online information session on Tuesday, May 5 at noon to learn more details and ask questions.
Councillor Nick Chapman, who served on the grant panel, said: "Having been on the grant panel during the past year, I’ve been so impressed by what local voluntary and community sector groups do for our residents. Our grants scheme has helped with such a range of projects, from the installation of LED lighting and solar power, saving energy and money for village halls and sports clubs, to purchasing vital equipment or covering costs to deliver regular social or physical activity sessions. We also awarded six grants to specifically support people struggling with the cost-of-living, including five Warm Spaces over the winter."
He added: "There have been no changes to the grants scheme this year as we want to continue to offer a wide range of organisations the chance to receive financial support. Whether you’re familiar with the scheme already or you are a new community group just starting out, I’d encourage you to take a look at the different grants we offer as we may be able to help."
For more information, including details of the online MS Teams session, visit the Blaby District Council website. Read all the latest news from in and around Blaby, Leicestershire.
