Mid Suffolk District Council Funding
Are you eligible?
Our funding is limited to constituted community groups and organisations. Eligible groups include, but are not limited to:
- town and parish councils
- village hall or playing field management committees
- sports clubs and centres
- charities
- social enterprises
- community shops and pubs
- community interest companies
Our funding is not available for individuals or businesses.
Where can you get more information?
Before submitting an application we recommend that applicants read our Guidance Notes, which contain more detailed information on our available Grants as well as our terms and conditions for funding. View Guidance Notes. To get a view over which Grant may be most appropriate for your project before submitting an application, you may wish to submit a Grant Enquiry Form. You can also email our Grants Team for more information or a conversation about your project.
Which grants are available?
Through our Community Grants team, grants are available for projects that deliver clear community benefits within Mid Suffolk. We can also advise and assist groups and projects seeking external funding.
Capital Grants
Capital Grants are aimed at assisting community groups in making improvements and repairs to social infrastructure. This may include
- village halls
- play areas
- sports clubs
- recreational facilities
Capital Grants are available to up to 100% of total project costs to a maximum grant of £10,000. Capital Grants close for applications on 31st January 2024, at which point applications will be scored and assessed against a scoring matrix. View scoring matrix.
Successful applicants will be required to deliver their project within 8 months of an offer being accepted, and provide three quotes for the proposed works.
Community Development Grants
The Council wishes to encourage new and innovative project activities to support local communities and organisations in Mid Suffolk with financial support to help with the delivery of local place-based initiatives and activities, where gaps in provision have been identified. Community Development Grants are available towards either revenue or capital projects, and there is an allocation within the fund for pre-project costs such as feasibility studies. Applicants will need to demonstrate they offer a wider community benefit and are fully inclusive. This flexibility in funding enables organisations to be more responsive, effective, sustainable and accountable.
Community Development Grants are available up to 100% of project costs to a maximum of £20,000. Applicants cannot apply to Capital Grants for the same project or activity. The next application window for Community Development Grants will open on 1st March 2024. Successful applicants will be required to deliver their project within 12 months of an offer being accepted.
Living Well in Winter Grants
The Living Well in Winter Grant has been established to support our communities to thrive over the winter months. The fund is aimed at helping community groups tackle issues faced by communities over the winter period, such as increased social isolation and reduced physical activity, as well as the impact of the cost of living crisis on household budgets. This funding is aimed at activities that will enable access to social opportunities, spaces and recreation. View the Living Well in Winter Criteria.
Between £500 and £2,000 can be applied for with an application deadline of Sunday 17th December, at which point applications will be assessed against a scoring matrix. View scoring matrix.
Successful applications will be required to deliver their project within 6 months of an offer being accepted.
Apply for a Living Well in Winter Grant
Small Grants
Support is aimed at local community groups seeking 'one off' grants of up to £2,500 for small scale projects that help to promote community activity, environmental improvements, self-help activities, local voluntary events, innovative, high-quality art projects and sporting activities as well as schemes promoting education and health improvement in the local community.
Up to £2,500 can be applied for, up to 100% of project costs. Applicants must be able to demonstrate an annual income of less than £30,000. Successful applicants will be required to use the funding provided within 6 months.
Pride in Your Place Grant
The Pride in Your Place Grant has been established to enable small scale projects which improve the appearance, cleanliness or environment of communities. Eligible projects include arranging community litter picks, sign or graffiti cleaning, or the maintenance of public open spaces.
Pride in Your Place Grants are now closed for applications.
Section 106
Section 106 (S106) is funding generated by development which has taken place across Mid Suffolk, and can be applied for towards a range of social infrastructure improvements, such as village halls, sports facilities and play areas.
S106 is applied for through our Grants Team. We can let you know how much S106 is available within your parish, whether a project would be eligible, and how to apply. Email the Grants Team.
Alternatively, the Developer Contributions Database contains details on all S106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) available within the districts.
Community Energy and Environmental Funding
Eye Wind Turbines
Funding is generated on a yearly basis for projects within a 10km radius of the wind turbines at Brome Industrial Park, formerly Eye Airfield. Up to £5,000 can be applied for from community groups or projects within Eye, Yaxley, Brome and Oakley, Mellis and Thrandeston. Additionally, groups in parishes not listed but within the 10km radius of the turbines may apply for up to £1,000. The Grants Team can advise whether Eye Wind Turbines Section 106 would be available or applicable for your project.
Funding is available towards projects or initiatives that promote energy conservation, biodiversity measures, the promotion of renewable energy, landscaping or environmental mitigation. The Grants Team can advise whether Eye Wind Turbines S106 would be available or applicable for your project. Email the Grants Team.
Locality Awards
Community groups and projects in Mid Suffolk have access to Locality Award funding through their District Councillor. More information, detailed guidance and the application forms for Locality Awards in 2023/24 can be found on our website. Find out more about Locality Awards.