Community development fund
We award our larger community grants using a place‑based approach to focus on projects that make the biggest local impact. Priorities will be informed by local insight, and if no group can deliver them, we may open applications.
Express your interest
We are inviting proposals from community groups, voluntary organisations and not-for-profit organisations to deliver projects that address local priorities in Crook, Willington, Sunnybrow and Billy Row through targeted funding opportunities.
Applicants can apply for grants between £5,000 and £20,000 per project.
Funding is available for projects delivered within these communities that address one or more of the following priorities:
- Positive opportunities for young people: Providing activities, mentoring, personal development, education, training, sports and creative opportunities that help young people build confidence, develop skills and make positive life choices.
- Employability, skills and training: Supporting people to develop skills, gain qualifications and experience, access training, build confidence, and progress into volunteering, apprenticeships, education or employment.
- Reducing isolation and improving wellbeing: Creating opportunities for people to connect with others, build support networks, improve mental health and wellbeing, and reduce social isolation and loneliness.
- Reducing antisocial behaviour: Delivering preventative and diversionary activities that engage young people and local residents, encourage positive behaviour, strengthen community pride and contribute to safer neighbourhoods.
We welcome innovative projects and are particularly interested in those that actively engage young people, helping them develop skills, access opportunities and achieve positive outcomes.
Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their project responds to local needs and delivers meaningful and measurable benefits for residents within Crook, Willington, Sunnybrow and Billy Row.
Application process
The first stage of the process is the submission of an expression of interest (EOI) form.
Once we receive your EOI, we will review the information provided and may contact you for further details. Organisations that demonstrate a strong fit with the programme objectives may then be invited to submit a full funding application.
We encourage interested organisations to start developing their ideas now and look forward to receiving proposals that will make a meaningful difference in local communities.
Key dates
Opening date: Monday, 14 September 2026, 9.00am
Closing date for EOI: Friday, 9 October 2026, 4.00pm
Full application deadline: Friday, 23 October 2026, 4.00pm
Projects must include revenue costs, this can include:
- Setting up of classes, sessions, activities, and events for the community.
- Buying equipment for a community-based activity, that does not qualify as capital.
- On costs of the project for example, staff time, sessional workers, equipment, and resources required to deliver the project. Room hire costs are also acceptable but not exceeding 50% of the total grant amount requested from us.
- Providing refreshments, snacks, and meals as part of an activity.
- Marketing and promotion to increase participation in activities up to a value of 5% of the funding request.
- Travel costs which are integral to an activity.
- Project management costs, not exceeding 10% of the overall project value.
- Core funding may also be considered.
You can include an element of capital work for up to 50% cost of the total grant funding requested from us. If you have a capital element you wish to be considered, please speak to one of our community investment coordinators before submitting an expression of interest.
The Community Development Fund is unable to support:
- Major capital works have a conversation with community investment coordinator before applying
- Ongoing running costs of an organisation e.g. utility bills and insurance
- Items that are purchased on behalf of another organisation.
- Applications to develop the financial reserves of the organisation.
- Religious, party political or lobbying activities (non-religious and multi-faith activities may be funded)
- Loans or debt repayments
- Projects and activities for personal profit.
To be eligible for the Community Development Fund, projects are generally expected to run for nine to 12 months.
In some circumstances, funding may be considered for projects lasting up to two years.
Priority will be given to proposals that can demonstrate sustainability beyond the funding period.
Projects awarded funding must commence within one month of receiving the first payment instalment.