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Funding opportunities and support
Gateway 14 Community Benefit Fund
The Gateway 14 Community Benefit Fund aims to support community groups, and provide valuable investment into community initiatives, that are within a five mile radius of Gateway 14.
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as village halls, voluntary and community groups, town and parish councils, sports clubs
What’s available
Up to £5,000 can be applied for towards projects that meet one or more of the Fund’s priorities
When to apply
Open for applications until Sunday 1 March 2026
Mid Suffolk Sports Infrastructure Fund
Funding towards major infrastructure improvements to indoor and outdoor sports facilities outside of Stowmarket
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as community groups, parish councils and sports clubs
What's available
Between £20,000 and £250,000 towards projects promoting increased uptake in sport and physical activity in the local area
When to apply
Open for expressions of interest
Mid Suffolk Town Centre Shopfront Scheme
The Mid Suffolk Town Centre Shopfront Scheme, delivered through the new Rural Support Fund, offers targeted funding to improve the visual appeal of town centres and villages, enhance key frontages, boost footfall, and support a vibrant and diverse retail environment. Funding is available for shopfront improvements, with a particular focus on high-visibility enhancements.
Suitable for
Businesses and organisations based within a Town Centre or village in Mid Suffolk
What's available
Up to £10,000 can be applied for
When to apply
Open for applications and enquiries
Community Asset Fund
Part of the new Rural Support Fund. Funding is available to help communities who want to try and save threatened village facilities, such as shops and pubs - with the aim of operating them as social enterprises.
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as social enterprises or Community Interest Companies
What's available
Up to £100,000 can be applied for
When to apply
Open for expressions of interest
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
CIL is funding generated by new developments, which local organisations can apply for and use to make improvements to community facilities
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as village halls, parish councils, sports clubs
What's available
Up to £100,000 can be applied for (up to a maximum of 75% of project costs)
When to apply
You can complete a CIL Bid Project Enquiry Form at any time
Section 106 (S106)
S106 is funding generated by development, which can be applied for and used to make improvements or repairs to community facilities
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as village halls, voluntary and community groups, parish councils, sports clubs
What's available
This will depend on the parish where your project is taking place
When to apply
Open for applications
Community Development Grants
Community Development Grants are available to organisations delivering capital, revenue, or pre-project activities
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as village halls, voluntary and community groups, parish councils, sports clubs
What's available
Up to £20,000 can be applied for
When to apply
Open for applications until Sunday 18 January 2026
Mid Suffolk Culture Fund
This funding is for projects that support our Culture, Heritage and Visitor Economy Strategy Action Plan. The Culture Fund will be incorporated into the Community Development Grant - as there is often significant overlap between cultural and community organisations.
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as voluntary and community groups
What's available
Up to £20,000 can be applied for
When to apply
Open for applications until Sunday 18 January 2026
Progress Power Community Benefit Fund
This funding is available for capital or revenue projects to community groups within Eye, Mellis, Thrandeston, Yaxley and Brome & Oakley
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as village halls, voluntary and community groups, parish councils, sports clubs
What's available
Up to £10,000
When to apply
Open for applications until Saturday 28 February 2026
Eye Wind Turbines Section 106
This funding is available to community groups who are located within a 10km radius of the wind turbines at Mid Suffolk Business Park (formerly Eye Airfield). It can be used toward environmental projects - such as improving energy efficiency, and tree planting.
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as village halls, voluntary and community groups, parish councils, sports clubs
What's available
This will depend on the parish where your project is taking place
Locality Awards
Community groups within Mid Suffolk can apply for funding via their District Councillor, for small scale projects or purchases.
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as village halls, voluntary and community groups, parish councils, sports clubs
What's available
Each District Councillor has a budget of £10,000 per year
When to apply
Open for applications
Sustainable Communities Food Fund
The Sustainable Communities Food Fund is funding that small scale food initiatives, such as community pantries, can use for capital and revenue costs such as training for volunteers, and buying equipment, planters or fruit trees.
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as voluntary and community groups, parish councils
What's available
Between £250 and £5,000
When to apply
Open for applications
Port One Legacy Biodiversity Enhancement Fund (POLBEF)
Community groups within Barham, Bramford, Claydon, Great Blakenham and Little Blakenham can apply for POLBEF funding. It can be used toward projects which create spaces for nature and wildlife.
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as voluntary and community groups, parish councils
What's available
Up to £3,750
When to apply
Closed for applications. Opening again April 2026
Pride in your Place Grants
These grants are available for capital projects that enable community groups to enhance their local area and environment, explore local identity and heritage, and engage in activities such as community clean ups
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as parish and town councils, voluntary and community groups
What's available
Between £250 and £5,000
When to apply
Open for applications
Living Well in Winter Grants
This funding is aimed at supporting people in our communities thrive over the winter months. Funding is available to community groups looking to tackle issues such as increased social isolation which are prevalent over winter.
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as village halls, voluntary and community groups, parish councils, sports clubs
What's available
Up to £2,000 can be applied for
When to apply
Open for applications
Tye Lane Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund
This funding is available for capital or revenue projects to community groups within Bramford, Somersham, Little Blakenham, Nettlestead, Flowton, Burstall and Sproughton.
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as village halls, voluntary and community groups, town and parish councils, sports clubs
What’s available
Up to £2,000 can be applied for
When to apply
Opening soon
Community Nature Recovery Grant
Funding to support projects that benefit the district’s wildlife, helping nature to recover, and increase community engagement with the natural environment
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as voluntary environmental groups, community groups, town and parish councils, schools
What’s available
Up to £25,000 can be applied for towards projects that meet priorities of the Mid Suffolk Biodiversity Action Plan and/or the Suffolk Local Nature Recovery Strategy. There is a simpler application process for grants up to £2,000
When to apply
Opening for applications on Monday 19 January 2026
Catchment and Landscape Nature Recovery Grant
Focussed on river catchments, addressing biodiversity loss, flooding, water quality and community engagement. This grant will support nature-based solutions, land purchases or other activities and projects in support of these goals
Suitable for
Environmental, landscape and catchment focussed partnerships, trusts and organisations operating across multiple towns and parishes
What’s available?
Up to £100,000 can be applied for, towards projects that demonstrate broad delivery of benefits to both the landscape and communities
When to apply
Due to open late February 2026
Trees, Hedgerows and Wildflowers Scheme
This Scheme provides support to community groups who own publicly accessible land - and are looking to create spaces within it for wildlife. This might include trees, hedging and seeds for planting.
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as voluntary and community groups, parish councils
What's available
Free trees, hedgerow plants and wildflower seeds
When to apply
Open for applications
Business Rates Reliefs and Reductions
Community groups, such as charities and not-for-profit organisations, may be eligible for business rates reliefs.
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as village halls, voluntary and community groups, sports clubs
What's available
Discretionary Rate Relief, Retail Relief, Small Business Rate Relief
When to apply
You can apply all year round
Planning
Community groups and parish councils may be eligible for reductions or exemptions via pre-application or heritage advice.
Suitable for
Charities and organisations such as village halls, voluntary and community groups, parish councils
What's available
The support is a reduction or an exemption - it will depend on the proposed scheme.
When to apply
You can apply all year round