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 you submit an application, we recommend that applicants read our Guidance Notes, which contain more detailed information about our available grants (as well as our terms and conditions for funding).

To understand which grant may be most appropriate for your project, before you submit 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.

If you're new to grants or need a refresher, our Grants Team have put together a short video to give some insights into what's needed for a successful grant application.

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.

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. Capital Grants are currently closed for applications, with the next application window open between Monday 13th May and Sunday 14th July 2024. A further application window will be open later this financial year, between Monday 18th November and Sunday 12th January 2025.

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. Community Development Grants are currently closed for applications, with the next application window open between 1st September and 31st October 2024. Applications are scored against a scoring matrix, and successful applicants are required to deliver their project within 12 months of an offer being accepted.

Food Security Fund

The Food Security Fund has been established to support small scale, community led, food initiatives such as community pantries, fridges and food pop-ups. Between £250 and £5,000 can be applied for, towards capital costs such as the purchase of equipment to support the preparation and storage of food or project and volunteer administration.

Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with applications being accepted within the 2024-25 financial year. Successful applicants will be required to deliver their project within 8 months of an offer being accepted.

For more information, view the Food Security Fund Guidance Notes.

Apply for the Food Security Fund

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.

Progress Power Community Benefit Fund - Coming Soon

This funding has been secured as part of the development of the Progress Power Station at Brome Industrial Park. The fund seeks to support local communities and organisations operating within the parishes of Eye, Mellis, Thrandeston, Yaxley and Brome & Oakley. Applicants will be able to apply for a grant of between £250 – 10,000 for projects which demonstrate a wide community benefit and are fully inclusive. Applications will be assessed three times a year by a Grants Panel and the first window will be opening soon. £100,000 will be available across the eligible area for three consecutive years, beginning in 2024/25. For more information, email the Grants Team.

Revenue Grants

Revenue Grants are Grants available towards an organisation's core costs such as salaries and administrative costs. Revenue Grants are Grants available towards an organisation's core costs such as salaries and administrative costs. Revenue Grants are currently closed for applications.

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 2024/25 can be found on our website. Find out more about Locality Awards.