Apply Now: Eastleigh Borough Community Grants (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 16-Oct-2026

The Eastleigh Borough Council Community Grants programme supports not-for-profit groups, voluntary organizations, and social enterprises that provide direct services, advice, self-help initiatives, or wider community benefits within the Borough of Eastleigh. Priority is given to projects that align with the Council’s strategic priorities, including health, place-making, environmental protection, housing, and stronger communities. Eligible applicants must generally be constituted organizations with a bank account in the group’s name, appropriate insurance, and suitable safeguarding checks for staff and volunteers working with vulnerable people. Membership of the Eastleigh Compact is often a requirement for grant applicants. Overview of the Community Grants Programme Eastleigh Borough Council provides community grant funding to organizations delivering activities that benefit residents across the Borough of Eastleigh. The programme is intended to strengthen local communities by supporting organizations that provide: Projects that contribute to the Council’s strategic priorities. The grants are focused on organizations that create a direct or measurable benefit for local communities. Purpose of the Funding The Community Grants programme aims to help local voluntary and community organizations deliver activities that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable, and better-connected Eastleigh. Supported projects should ideally demonstrate a clear connection to local community needs and Council priorities. Key Strategic Priorities Priority is given to projects that support the Council’s wider strategic aims. Enabling a Healthier Eastleigh Projects may contribute to improved health and well-being by helping residents: The programme also supports the broader goal of creating stronger communities and improving local living environments. Projects should demonstrate how they contribute to community well-being and local development. Who Is Eligible? The programme is intended for organizations such as: Not-for-profit groups. Voluntary organizations. Community organizations. Social enterprises. Applicants should be delivering activities that provide direct services, advice, self-help initiatives, or community benefits within the Borough of Eastleigh. Organizational Requirements Applicants generally need to satisfy several basic organizational requirements. Constituted Organization The applicant should be a properly constituted group with an appropriate governing structure. The organization must have a bank account in the group’s name. This demonstrates that grant funds can be managed separately and appropriately on behalf of the organization. Insurance Applicants must have adequate insurance appropriate to the activities they deliver. The type and level of insurance required may depend on the organization’s activities and the people it works with. Safeguarding Checks Organizations working with vulnerable people must ensure that appropriate checks are carried out for relevant: Staff. Volunteers. Other people involved in delivering services. Safeguarding procedures should be appropriate to the nature of the organization’s work. Eastleigh Compact Membership Membership of the Eastleigh Compact is often a mandatory requirement for grant applicants. The Compact reflects a commitment to collaborative working between: Eastleigh Borough Council. Voluntary organizations. Community organizations. Other parts of the local voluntary sector. Applicants should check the specific requirements of the relevant grant scheme before submitting an application. What Types of Activities May Be Supported? The programme is broadly focused on activities that provide community benefit within Eastleigh.

Potential areas may include:

Community services. Advice services. Self-help initiatives. Health and well-being activities. Environmental projects. Community development. Activities supporting vulnerable residents. Projects that strengthen local communities. The proposed activity should have a clear benefit for residents of the borough. Why the Community Grants Matter Local voluntary organizations and social enterprises often provide services that complement statutory and community services. Grant funding can help these organizations: Respond to local needs. Deliver community activities. Support vulnerable residents. Improve health and well-being. Strengthen community participation. Protect local environments. Build stronger neighborhoods. The programme therefore provides an opportunity for smaller community organizations to contribute directly to local priorities. How to Prepare an Application

Step 1: Confirm Your Organization’s Eligibility

Check that your organization is:

Not-for-profit, voluntary, or an eligible social enterprise. Properly constituted. Operating within the Borough of Eastleigh or delivering direct benefits there. Able to meet the required governance conditions.

Step 2: Define the Community Need

Clearly explain the local problem your project will address.

Include:

Who is affected. What the need is. Why the issue matters. Evidence supporting the need where available.

Step 3: Explain Your Proposed Activity

Describe exactly what the grant will support.

Explain:

What activities will be delivered. Who will participate. Where activities will take place. How often they will be delivered.

Step 4: Connect the Project to Council Priorities

Explain how your project supports one or more relevant priorities, such as: Health and well-being. Place-making. Environmental protection. Homes and communities.

Step 5: Demonstrate Community Benefit

Clearly identify the expected outcomes. For example, the project could aim to: Reach a defined number of residents. Improve access to services. Increase participation. Improve community well-being. Create environmental improvements.

Step 6: Check Organizational Requirements

Before submitting, make sure you have:

A constitution or governing document. A bank account in th