£60,000 grants pot now open for community project

believe housing is excited to announce that its community development fund is now open for applications (Monday, 7 July 2025).  

With a total grant allocation of £60,000, the fund will support not-for-profit groups across County Durham to deliver community projects that improve local people’s lives. 

Organisations can apply for grants between £5,000 and £10,000 to fund projects that improve health and well-being, boost employability and training, increase household income, promote a greener future, or tackle inequalities from the cost-of-living crisis. 

Damian Pearson, Community Investment Performance Team Leader, said: “At believe housing, we’re dedicated to improving the lives of our customers by providing healthy, affordable homes and enhancing the communities we serve.  

“Our community grants programme shows this commitment by funding projects that boost people’s wellbeing. 

“Earlier this year, we awarded our millionth pound in grant funding, supporting many projects and seeing the positive impact on communities and residents.  

“We’re excited to launch our latest fund and encourage all eligible not-for-profit groups to check their project criteria and apply.  

“This is a fantastic opportunity to help more people improve their lives.” 

The grant can be used to cover the costs of running community projects, such as holding events, setting up classes, buying equipment, providing food, marketing, travel, and staffing. Up to 50 per cent can be for capital work. 

Projects must be delivered in areas where believe housing has homes: central, east or west Durham.  

And at least 30 per cent of beneficiaries must be customers of believe housing. 

The grant opens on Monday, 7 July for expression of interest forms.  

After submission, a member of the Community Investment Team may contact applicants for additional information.  

Successful applicants will be invited to complete a full application form, which must be returned within two weeks.  

Expression of interest forms will be accepted until Monday, 11 August, and full applications until 25 August. 

Potential applicants are encouraged to find out more at www.believehousing.co.uk/community-funding and to contact the Community Investment Team at communitygrant@believehousing.co.uk or 0300 1311 999 to discuss their project ideas.