Community grant scheme open for next round of bids

Community groups across the county are being offered funding to help deliver projects as Northumberland County Council extends its community chest scheme for another year.

The council has made £300,000 available to community groups to support activities that will benefit and are needed by local communities and also those that assist in the county’s recovery from Covid- 19. 

The grant scheme is open to any voluntary or community, not-for-profit groups or organisations based in, or predominantly serving Northumberland. 

This year, in acknowledgement of the new challenges and changing circumstances around the coronavirus pandemic, parish councils can also apply for  funding for capital costs for projects that support Covid-19 related schemes.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available and there is no minimum amount for applications.  Schemes that are related to  Covid-19  are eligible for 100 % funding, while other community schemes are eligible for 75%  funding.

The money can be used for a range of community causes including those that enhance the environment, strengthen communities and which promote health and wellbeing.

The County Council is particularly keen to hear from organisations  that  have not previously received funding through the scheme.

Northumberland County Councillor Nick Oliver, Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources said:

“ This year, we’ve expanded the scope and eligibility of our community grant scheme to reflect the challenges local communities and groups are facing around the current pandemic.

“ We hope this popular grant fund will continue to help many worthwhile local causes to carry on their good work.”

The deadline for the next round of funding applications is 2 October  2020. The application process has been made as simple as possible and applications  will be considered by  funding panels made up of councillors from across the county. 


 For more information about the fund, or for an application form, log on to www.northumberland.gov.uk

Article by Northumberland County Council