There’s still time for community groups and organisations to apply for funding for small-scale items to support local groups and projects through Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Councillor Community Grant Scheme.

Grants of between £250 and £1,000 are available to help groups and not for profit organisations purchase equipment which will make a difference to people’s lives and help bring communities together.

The current round of the scheme was launched last summer and gives each ward councillor across Basingstoke and Deane a £2,000 pot to support community and voluntary group projects in their communities. The maximum grant that will be available for each project in a ward is £1,000. The deadline for applications has now been extended to 28 February 2023 to enable more organisations to benefit from this year’s scheme.

Funding is still available and groups, which include voluntary groups, charities, schools, faith groups and town and parish councils, are being encouraged to apply to help fund projects which meet the scheme criteria.

The grant funding is available for physical items that contribute to the key priorities set out in Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Council Plan - strengthening communities, protecting and enhancing our environment, improving safety and planning for the future.

This could include purchasing tools or equipment for a variety of group activities such as community groups, health and wellbeing activities, lunch clubs or play groups.

Examples of previous projects that have benefitted include materials for a community garden in Tadley, defibrillators in various locations throughout the borough including sports clubs and schools, a parasol and bench for outdoor play at a play group in Overton and tents for a scout group in Brighton Hill.

Cabinet Member for Partnerships Cllr Jenny Vaux said: “Our Councillor Community Grant Scheme is an important part of the council’s funding for voluntary and community groups. It is about giving our councillors who work at the heart of these communities the chance to support them with grant funding for projects and activities which will make a big difference to residents’ lives and foster thriving communities across the borough. The deadline for applications is fast approaching and we want to make sure groups and their communities have the opportunity to benefit from this funding."

For more information about the scheme and eligibility criteria, visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/cllr-community-grants