Call for Applications: Community Projects Fund (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 31-Dec-26

The Fylde Community Projects Fund invites applications from voluntary, community, and self-help groups based in or serving the Fylde Borough for grants to support local projects that improve services, facilities, and community life. The fund is designed to empower local groups and organisations to access resources that enhance the quality of life for residents across the Fylde Borough. Supported projects should address local needs and contribute to the Council’s wider priorities for the community.

About the Fylde Community Projects Fund

The Fylde Community Projects Fund supports voluntary, community, and faith groups that contribute to improving the quality of life of people living in the Fylde Borough. The fund aims to help local groups access resources that can improve community services, facilities, activities, and opportunities. Projects should demonstrate a clear local need and contribute to one or more objectives within the Council’s Corporate Plan. What Are the Objectives of the Fund? Eligible projects must align with one or more objectives from the Council’s Corporate Plan.

These objectives include:

- Promoting a clean and green environment. - Making Fylde a great place to visit. - Fostering a vibrant and healthy economy. - Building a safe and caring community. Projects should demonstrate how their activities contribute to one or more of these wider community priorities. What Types of Projects Can Be Supported? The fund can support a variety of local community initiatives.

Examples include projects that:

- Encourage young people to reach their potential. - Enhance community skill levels. - Bring together different generations. - Celebrate cultural heritage. - Expand learning opportunities. - Improve the natural environment. - Enhance community services and facilities. - Improve the quality of life for local residents. The fund is intended to support projects that provide a clear benefit to communities in the Fylde Borough. Grant Funding Streams The Fylde Community Projects Fund provides grants through two funding streams:

- Non-match funded grants: £1 to £300.

- Match funded grants: £300 to £2,000.

In-kind contributions can be considered when calculating match funding for eligible projects. The two streams provide options for groups seeking either smaller amounts of support or larger funding contributions for community projects. Non-Match Funded Grants Groups can apply for grants ranging from £1 to £300 through the non-match funded stream. This stream is intended to provide smaller-scale financial support for eligible local projects. The indicative annual allocation for smaller grants is £5,500. Match Funded Grants The match funded stream provides grants ranging from £300 to £2,000. Applicants can provide eligible matching contributions, including in-kind contributions where these are considered acceptable for match funding purposes. The indicative annual allocation for the larger match funded grants is £16,500. Annual Fund Allocation The fund has indicative annual allocations across its two streams.

The allocations are:

- Smaller non-match grants: £5,500 per year.

- Larger match funded grants: £16,500 per year.

These allocations provide funding for community projects supporting residents and communities across the Fylde Borough. Who Can Apply? The fund is open to eligible voluntary, community, and self-help groups.

Applicants must either:

- Be based in Fylde; or - Work exclusively with residents of Fylde. The fund also supports eligible community and faith groups whose activities contribute to improving the quality of life of Fylde residents, subject to the stated eligibility restrictions. Project Eligibility Projects must demonstrate a clear need for the proposed activity. The project should provide a benefit to residents or communities within the Fylde Borough and should align with one or more relevant objectives from the Council’s Corporate Plan. Projects must also comply with the fund’s duration requirements. Project Duration Funded projects must not last for more than six months from receipt of the grant. Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed activities can be completed within this six-month period. In-Kind Contributions and Match Funding In-kind contributions may be considered when calculating match funding. This can allow eligible groups to demonstrate their contribution to a project through appropriate non-cash resources, where accepted under the fund’s requirements. Applicants seeking match funding should clearly identify their proposed contribution and how it supports the project. Who Cannot Apply? Certain applicants and activities are excluded from the fund. Ineligible applicants and activities include: - Individuals. - Political activities. - Religious activities. - Statutory organisations. - Town Councils. - Parish Councils. - Projects resulting in personal gain. - Projects involving ongoing revenue costs. Applicants should ensure that both their organisation and proposed project meet the fund’s eligibility requirements before applying. Political and Religious Activities The fund does not support political or religious activities. While eligible community and faith groups may otherwise be able to benefit from the fund, the specific activity being funded must comply with the fund’s restrictions. Projects Resulting in Personal Gain Projects that result in personal gain are not eligible. The fund is intended to provide community benefit rather than financial or personal benefit to individuals. Ongoing Revenue Costs The fund does not support ongoing revenue costs. Applicants should therefore focus their requests on eligible project activities that can be delivered within the six-month project period. One Application Per Year Only one application per group or project is permitted each year. Groups should therefore identify their priority project and ensure that their application provides a clear explanation of the proposed activities,