Groups and charities to benefit from community-boosting grants

Forty-two groups have been awarded grants via the Nottinghamshire County County’s Local Communities Fund (LCF)

Groups were asked to provide evidence that their projects will make a difference in their communities. This includes helping residents live healthier and more independent lives and contributing to a prosperous and growing local economy.

Two sets of funds were available. Capital grants are designed to support towards improvements to local facilities, while smaller revenue grants help with essential running costs, such as paying wages and bills.

Eligible groups were able apply for a one-off grant of up to £20,000 (capital) or up to £5,000 (revenue) if they met certain criteria including having match-funding in place plus an endorsement from their local Nottinghamshire County Councillor.

Councillor Dawn Justice, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health. She said:

“Community groups do such vital work to improve the lives and well-being of our residents, so the LCF can really help communities thrive by financially supporting community groups and charities.

“All applications have been vigorously assessed to ensure the criteria has been met and each project demonstrated its community impact and benefit to residents.”

Hucknall and District Voluntary Sector Partnership were among the local groups to received capital funding. It received £13,680 towards the purchase and installation of a replacement platform lift to provide better access between the ground and first floor,

Groups to be awarded small revenue grants included Hucknall-based Your Time Believe Belong Become CIC.

Funding worth £5,000 will help towards the running costs to continue weekly Walk and Talk sessions and wellbeing support groups, creating safe spaces for adults aged 18 and over who face mental and physical health challenges or social isolation.

The current four-year LCF programme (2022–2026) will conclude on 31 March 2026, as originally planned. Councillor Justice explains:

“We are now evaluating this fund, including some of the criteria, to ensure it continues to meet the Council’s priorities, including building resilience. We recognise that over time some dependency on funding has developed, which is why an evaluation is so important.

“We want to assure groups this review is about strengthening impact, not removing support.”

The new-look funding scheme is due to be launched in this spring, which will welcome bids from all eligible groups. More details will be available in the coming weeks.

Free funding workshops continue to be offered to community groups to offer practical advice and tips to increase the chances of funding applications being successful, whether it’s for a council scheme or wider funding

A funding toolkit also offers further tips and guidance to charities, community groups, and voluntary organisations to help prepare for a wide range of funding opportunities.

Details of the workshops and toolkit are here: Funding toolkit and workshops for the voluntary sector | Nottinghamshire County Council