community funding
Our believe housing community grant scheme supports projects that make a real difference to people’s lives and wellbeing.
our key themes
We are giving organisations the opportunity to apply for grant funding to support community investment programmes and to deliver innovative projects that put our customers and our communities on a pathway to improving their lives.
We welcome applications for projects that meet one or more of our key themes of:
- health and well-being: improving mental and physical health as well as building the confidence of individuals
- employability and training: including volunteering and other upskilling activities
- increasing household income: activities including debt and benefit advice, feeding families, money support, and employing people
- a greener, fairer future: by reducing, reusing and recycling
- tackling inequalities as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.
To apply for any of the grants your project must be delivered in one of our patch areas, these are central Durham, east Durham and south-west Durham, we ask when completing the application form that you select which patch area your project will cover. Please check the list on each of our grants for a breakdown of locations within each patch area. Note – projects can benefit people in more than one location within a patch area.
It may be acceptable for projects to deliver outcomes in more than one neighbouring patch area but please discuss this with the Community Investment Team prior to submitting your application.
All projects must be deliverable in one of our patch areas, these are central Durham, east Durham and west Durham. Please see the list below for a breakdown.
The funding will be split equally across the areas, we ask when completing the application form that you select which area your project will cover.
Some potential projects may have delivery outcomes that overlap in the delivery areas, which may be acceptable, but please discuss this with the Community Investment Team prior to submitting your application.
If you are unsure if your group or project idea qualifies for this grant, please contact us to discuss. You can contact the Community Investment Team by email: communitygrant@believehousing.co.uk, call us on 0300 1311 999.
locations
| Bearpark | Belmont | Bowburn | Brandon |
| Brasside | Cassop | Carrville | Claypath |
| Coxhoe | Browney | Crossgate | Croxdale |
| Elvet | Esh Winning | Framwellgate Moor | Gilesgate |
| Gilesgate Moor | High Pittington | Kelloe | Langley Moor |
| Littletown | Ludworth | Meadowfield | Neville’s Cross |
| New Brancepeth | Newton Hall | Pity Me | Quarrington Hill |
| Shadforth | Sherburn Village | Sherburn Hill | Sherburn Road |
| Sherburn Road Estate | Ushaw Moor | West Rainton | Witton Gilbert |
| Blackhall Colliery | Blackhall Rocks | Hesleden | Acre Rigg |
| Chapel Hill | Denehouse | Eden Hill | Howletch |
| Passfield | Sunny Blunts | Horden | Easington Colliery |
| Easington Village | Shotton Colliery | South Hetton | Haswell |
| Haswell Plough | Hawthorn | Wheatley Hill | Thornley |
| Wingate | Water Avens Village | Station Town | Deaf Hill |
| Trimdon Colliery | Trimdon Village | Byron | Denehouse |
| Deneside | Eastlea | Harbour | Milldale |
| Northlea | Parkside | Princess Road | Seaton |
| Westlea | Dawdon | Murton | Dalton-le-Dale |
| Hutton Henry | Castle Eden | Hetton-le-Hole | Chilton Moor |
| Newbottle | Ryhope |
| Auckland Park | Billy Row | Bishop Auckland | Chilton |
| Coundon | Coundon Grange | Crook | Eldon Lane |
| Escomb | Fir Tree | Frosterley | Howden-le-Wear |
| Hunwick | Leeholme | Middlestone Moor | Oakenshaw |
| Stanhope | Sunnybrow | Tindale Crescent | Tow Law |
| Wearhead | West Auckland | Westgate | Willington |
| Witton-Le-Wear | Wolsingham |
Thinking about applying?
We welcome applications from:
- registered and exempt charities
- community groups
- schools
- social enterprises
- voluntary groups
- community interest companies
- town, parish or community councils
- faith groups/venues
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications from:
- individuals
- party political groups
- private companies or ‘for-profit’ organisation’s
- those whose objectives and ethos do not meet believe housing’s charitable objectives.
Want to make a real difference in County Durham?
Our believe housing community grants are here to help! Whether you’re launching a new initiative or building on an existing project, these grants are designed to support local groups in creating meaningful change. From boosting well-being to enhancing everyday life, we’re here to fund initiatives that make our communities stronger and more connected.
Apply today and turn your ideas into action!