believe housing is introducing a new, place‑based approach to awarding larger community grants, focusing investment where it can make the biggest difference for local people.
Rather than running open calls for applications, the housing association will use local insight, data and partnership knowledge to identify priority areas and the issues that matter most to residents. This will help decide where community funding is awarded to support projects that make a lasting local impact across believe housing communities.
As part of this approach, believe housing wants to hear from people who live and work in central, east and south‑west County Durham, alongside local organisations and partners. Their insight will help build a clearer picture of priorities at neighbourhood level and inform future funding decisions.
Louise Taylor, Executive Director of Governance and Strategy at believe housing, said:
“Enhancing and supporting communities is central to how we deliver healthy homes and places where people can live well, feel safe and feel proud of where they live.
“By working closely with partners and listening to those with first‑hand experience of local issues, we can focus investment where it will have the greatest impact.
“A place‑based approach allows projects to build on what already works, strengthening communities and supporting long‑term resilience.”
Where established groups or existing projects are well placed to deliver against identified priorities, believe housing will work with them directly to develop proposals.
If no suitable delivery partner is found, believe housing may issue a targeted call for grant applications of £5,000 to £30,000.
Residents, community groups and stakeholders with insight into local issues are encouraged to share their knowledge to help shape future projects.
Find out more and complete a community needs form at community development fund | believe housing
