Community building grants

Community building grants, up to a value of £300, are available annually. These are for community and voluntary sector groups to run small-scale projects, events and activities to help them support the wellbeing of their neighbourhood.

This is a rolling grants process and applications are welcomed at any time, although the fund is finite so will close once it has been fully allocated for the financial year. Please read the application guidelines below. For any enquiries please contact the community services team.

Apply for a community building grant

Community building – application guidelines

We have a small pot of funding to allocate to local good causes and we are now inviting applications for funding to support community pride projects across Cheltenham.

Why community-building grants?

Cheltenham Borough Council wants to provide small amounts of money to our local communities so that they can use their significant skills, powers and resources to help build thriving communities.

These themes might be picked up in practical projects such as:

• Purchasing equipment to enable the group to be more effective
• Using technology and social media to create a supportive community
• Organising community events that will build a strong sense of community resilience

Alternatively community groups might want to use the funding to acquire specific support such as:

• Identifying, recruiting and supporting volunteers
• Training courses for volunteers and paid staff to develop specific skills such as fund raising, management structures, governance and accountability
• Accessing specific advice and support

Who can apply?

Any parish council, constituted voluntary sector, community or neighbourhood-based organisation or school can apply.

The awarding criteria will seek to distribute this funding evenly across the different areas of Cheltenham.  

How much can be applied for?

Any group may apply for a single award up to a maximum of £300.

We will expect the group to contribute to the success of the project and match the grant with energy, time and commitment measured at £12 per hour, or through meeting any additional costs incurred. 

What we won’t fund

• Any events or activities of a political nature
• Projects being delivered outside the boundaries of Cheltenham borough
• Projects that cannot demonstrate that the necessary permissions will be achieved within the appropriate timescales

The assessment criteria

We are looking for projects that have been well thought out and can demonstrate the following:

• That the project, event or activity will build and support community spirit
• What will the event or activity achieve
• How will success be measured
• The amount of funding requested and any additional volunteer time or cash that is contributed

Agreements and performance management

Before the project can start, the council will enter into a project agreement with the provider which will set out various obligations on the two parties.

This will include important issues like safeguarding, health and safety and data sharing.

Grant payments

For successful applicants, payments will generally be made in arrears on receipt of completed performance management report and claim form.

We can arrange advance payments to help with cash flow but this will be subject to checks and you will be liable to repay this if your project does not make satisfactory progress.

Other considerations

Please be aware that as this is public money, the funding will be subject to inspection and audit.

Any fraudulent activity will be quickly identified and reported to the police.

Previous grants allocated

See the list of grants that have been allocated in previous years.

Community building grants 2024 - 25

• Pride in Gloucestershire - Cheltenham Pride 2025 - £300
• Be a Good Neighbour - Holiday Activities - £300
• St Philip and St James Area Residents Assocation - Replanting the Norwood Triangle - £200
• Everest Fun Day 2025 - £300
• Insight Gloucestershire - Cheltenham Time2Talk - £300
• Springbank Community Group - Food Hygiene Training  - £300
• Vision 21 - Reclaim Volunteer Day - £300
• Cheltenham Arts Network - Programme of Artists Support Events - £300
• Lives of Colour - Black History Month 10 Year Celebration - £300
• Friends of Bettridge - The Sharing Shed - £300

Total Communtiy Building Grants allocated in 2024/25 - £2900

Community building grants 2023 - 24

• Quarter Party - Minster Mondays - £300
• Friends of Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common (FOLK) - Work party and event insurance - £300
• Benhall Residents Association - Benhall Park opening up the brook - £300
• Cheltenham International Film Festival 2023 - £300

Total Community Building Grants allocated in 2023-24 - £1200