Apply for Councillor Community Grant Scheme 2026/27 (UK)

Deadline: 04-Dec-2026

The Councillor Community Grant Scheme provides funding for local projects and activities that benefit communities within South Oxfordshire district wards. Grants range from £250 to £7,500 per councillor and can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs, with projects required to be completed within 12 months.

About the Councillor Community Grant Scheme

The Councillor Community Grant Scheme enables South Oxfordshire district councillors to support projects that create tangible benefits for residents in their local wards. The scheme prioritises projects that deliver strong community impact, particularly initiatives that: Deliver clear benefits to South Oxfordshire residents. Funding Available Each councillor can award grants ranging from £250 to £7,500. The grant can cover up to 100% of the total project cost, subject to the applicable project limits.

For capital projects:

The total project cost must not exceed £15,000.

For revenue projects:

There is no maximum total project cost specified by the scheme. All successful projects must be completed within 12 months of the award decision. Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

Town councils. Parish councils. Parish meetings. Not-for-profit preschools. Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) connected to local authority or academy schools, where funding is for non-statutory educational activities. Local not-for-profit organisations whose primary purpose is to benefit South Oxfordshire residents. Applicants must have a bank account in the organisation’s name. They may also be required to provide governing documents and must ensure that all necessary permissions and consents are obtained before submitting an application. What Projects Are Supported? The scheme is intended for projects that provide direct and tangible benefits to local communities. Other local authorities or public sector organisations, except eligible town and parish councils and parish meetings. Groups whose activities primarily benefit an ineligible organisation. National organisations without a local constitution or local bank account, unless the proposed project clearly relates to a local branch or hub. Applicant Requirements

Applicants should ensure that they:

Are an eligible organisation. Have a bank account held in the organisation’s name. Can demonstrate their local benefit to South Oxfordshire residents. Have appropriate governing documents. Obtain all required permissions and consents before applying. Have a realistic project plan. Can complete the funded project within 12 months. Key Facts at a Glance

Programme: Councillor Community Grant Scheme

Minimum grant: £250

Maximum grant: £7,500 per councillor

Maximum funding coverage: 100% of project costs

Capital project limit: £15,000 total project cost

Revenue project limit: No maximum total project cost

Project duration: Up to 12 months

Main beneficiaries: South Oxfordshire ward communities

Eligible applicants: Local councils, parish meetings, eligible PTAs, preschools and local not-for-profit organisations

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Councillor Community Grant Scheme? It is a local funding scheme that allows South Oxfordshire district councillors to provide grants for projects and activities that benefit residents in their wards. How much funding is available? Grants range from £250 to £7,500 per councillor. Can the grant cover the full project cost? Yes. Funding can cover up to 100% of the total project cost, subject to the scheme’s eligibility requirements and applicable limits. What is the maximum cost of a capital project? For capital projects, the total project cost must not exceed £15,000. Is there a maximum cost for revenue projects? No maximum total project cost is specified for revenue projects, although the grant itself remains subject to the councillor’s maximum available allocation. How long do funded projects have to run? Projects must be completed within 12 months of the award decision. Can individuals apply? No. The scheme is intended for eligible organisations and community groups rather than individuals. Can businesses apply? Profit-based businesses are not eligible. Can parish councils apply? Yes. Town councils, parish councils and parish meetings are eligible to apply. What type of projects are prioritised? Priority is given to projects that deliver strong benefits for local residents, including initiatives supporting environmental restoration, climate action, health, inclusion and thriving communities. Conclusion The Councillor Community Grant Scheme offers an accessible source of local funding for organisations delivering meaningful projects in South Oxfordshire communities. With grants of up to £7,500 per councillor and the potential to cover the full project cost, the scheme can help local not-for-profit organisations, councils, PTAs and other eligible groups deliver environmental, climate, health, inclusion and community-focused initiatives within a 12-month period.