Funding opportunities and support
This webpage details the funding opportunities and support available for voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations within our district.
Our approach is to support a financially resilient VCFSE sector, which addresses current social challenges - and contributes to the achievement of our priorities. Read The Mid Suffolk Plan
Organisations can submit one application to multiple funds. Within the funding opportunities and support available to VCFSE organisations, a range of terms are used which may not be familiar to all applicants. View a Glossary of Terms for VCFSE Funding.
If you have any queries - or would like to be signposted to funding that's most applicable to your organisation or project - please email BMSDCGrants@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk
On this webpage, we have organised the opportunities by whether they offer financial or non-financial support.
Financial support
Funding for environmental improvements
There are a range of grants and funding available for projects that aim to improve the energy efficiency and environmental performance of community buildings, improve green spaces and biodiversity in local communities, and grow food
Suitable for
Most funds are suitable for charities and organisations such as parish and town councils, voluntary and community groups
What's available
Please visit our Grants and funding for environmental improvements webpage for information about specific opportunities
When to apply
Each set of funding will have its own schedule for applications
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
CIL is funding, generated by new developments, which local organisations can apply for and use to make capital 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
Bids can be submitted in May and October each year
Section 106 (S106)
S106 is funding, generated by development, which can be applied for and used toward making capital 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 seeking support towards revenue, capital or pre-project costs or 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
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
Closed for applications. Will reopen in October 2025
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
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. Will reopen in September 2025
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
NEW - 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
Non-financial support
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
Find out more about the Trees, Hedgerows and Wildflowers Scheme
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