Community grants
The community grants scheme awards discretionary grants to support a range of voluntary and community organisations.
These organisations provide services and activities to directly benefit and improve the wellbeing of our residents and meet our priorities and objectives.
Who is eligible to apply
You can apply for as grant if you are a:
- community, voluntary and registered charitable organisation, or
- not-for-profit organisation that are properly constituted
Community grants will not apply to:
- individuals or projects that mainly benefits an individual
- private companies, profit-making or trading organisations, or business enterprises.
- party political activities
- religious worship or works to buildings or grounds that are used solely by a religious organisation.
- a project that has started before submission of an application
- a construction project where the necessary ownership or leasing arrangements are not already in place
- projects where planning permission has not been obtained
- projects that take place solely outside of New Forest District Council area
We will not fund an organisation that is in poor financial health.
Types of grants
There are 2 types of community grants we fund:
- capital grants
- revenue grants
Funding is limited and we continue to receive numerous applications. All applications will be reviewed against the eligibility criteria.
The closing date for applications is 20 October 2024.
Capital grants for community infrastructure
Capital grants are one-off grants to improve community facilities to directly benefit local people. This could include extending, renovating or adapting existing buildings.
Key information:
- the minimum grant is £1,000 and the maximum grant is £25,000
- full funding must be in place before an award is made
- work on the project must not start until the Grant Offer letter has been completed
- the project must be located within the New Forest District Council area
- the project must be able to demonstrate how it benefits local people
- any grant awarded must be used for the specified purpose and will be subject to a funding agreement
- all works must be completed within two years
Please read our community grant criteria before making your application. This also provides details of the organisations who can apply, the types of projects we fund and the application process.
Community Grants guidance 2024 - Capital grants (PDF) [104KB]
You can apply for a grant using the form below. You will need to provide information including details of the project costs, the funding already secured or grants applied for, if planning permission is required, and the outcomes from the project.
We awarded 12 grants in 2023 with an average grant award of £8,003.
Revenue grants
Revenue grants are to support the day-to-day running costs of organisations with providing a charitable or community service or programmes that support and benefit residents of the New Forest District Council area.
Applications below £3,000 are not eligible and the maximum award is £20,000.
Applications below £3,000 should be directed to your local district councillor or county councillor.
Please read our community grant criteria before making your application. This also provides details of who can apply and the application process.
Community grants guidance 2024 - Revenue grants (PDF) [99KB]
You can apply for a grant using the form below. You will need to provide information including details of your finances, including expenditure and income, the funding already secured or grants applied for, the number of paid employees and volunteers, what other community groups you work with, and your key deliverables to support our communities.
Applications that meet the eligibility criteria may be invited to present and discuss their application during week commencing 25 November 2024.
Should you have any queries about making an application please contact Jamie Burton by e-mail at jamie.burton@nfdc.gov.uk or by phone on 02380 284551 or Ryan Stevens at ryan.stevens@nfdc.gov.uk or by phone on 023 80 285693.
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