Community and voluntary groups across the borough are set to benefit from more than £140,000 in funding following this year’s launch of a council grant scheme designed to provide more targeted activities, services and support for residents.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has opened its Strengthening Communities grant scheme for 2025, providing funding of up to £15,000 in a year to successful applicants. 

Grants can be used to support a range of organisational development activities such as creating new income streams, improving efficiency, redesigning services or upskilling staff and volunteers. Funding can also be used to support service development, such as expanding already successful services into new parts of the borough or developing new services to address gaps in what is currently provided. 

The key focus is on supporting groups to become more resilient and financially sustainable so they can continue to support our communities and adapt to changing needs. This year, there is also the opportunity for groups to apply for two years of funding for projects that address gaps in current youth provision, increase physical activity, improve mental health and wellbeing, or support residents struggling with the cost of living.

Since its launch four years ago, the scheme has provided funding to 45 different community and voluntary groups from across the borough, including sports groups, community associations, health and wellbeing and family support charities. Organisations supporting some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents have also benefited from the funding.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion Cllr John McKay said: “Supporting our communities to thrive is really important. We want our residents to have opportunities to access activities, sessions or services designed to meet their needs and this funding helps to support those groups delivering this.

“This year there are opportunities to apply for funds to help develop new income streams, redesign services or upskill staff and volunteers. We are also giving groups the chance to apply for two years of funding for projects focussing on areas where we feel more support is needed for young people, helping to increase physical activity, improving health and wellbeing and supporting residents struggling with the cost of living.  I encourage these groups and organisations to come forward and benefit from this support.”

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 23 April 2025. The full criteria, details about information sessions and guidance on applying are on the website at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/funding