Community Grants Scheme open
Blaby District Council’s long-running Community Grants Scheme is open for 2025-26 and local charities, community groups and sports clubs are being urged to apply.
Different grants are available to suit a whole range of projects from health and wellbeing initiatives thanks to support from Everyone Active, to action on climate change. Our Large Capital and Capital Green Grants are now up to £5,000, an increase on previous years.
There will be four grant rounds across this financial year with the first deadline for applications on Friday 6 June at 5pm.
Information about the scheme, including eligibility criteria, guidance notes, the online application form and a summary of all changes for this year can be found at Community Grants Scheme
We will also run an online information session on Wednesday 14 May at noon. This will include a special feature about our Capital Green Grants with the Council’s Net Zero Programme Delivery Officer on hand to answer any queries. Details of how to join the meeting are on the Community Grants Scheme webpage, using the link above.
Councillor Cheryl Cashmore, Blaby District Portfolio Holder for Health and Leisure, said: "I’m pleased to say that last year we awarded more than £55,000 to 44 projects across our District. This included funding to allow organisations to upgrade their facilities or install energy-efficiency improvements, buy sports kit and equipment, deliver community events or mental health support and run Warm Spaces during the winter months.
"Through our Grants Scheme we remain committed to supporting local voluntary sector organisations which make a real difference in the lives of our residents. We have brought in some changes this year that will benefit both community organisations and the individuals they support. As usual, we are keen to hear from local groups who can deliver projects that help meet the needs of our local community and welcome applications from those who may not have applied to the scheme before."
One group to benefit last year was Countesthorpe Cricket Club. They received a Capital Green Grant – funding specifically for projects that help tackle climate change - towards the cost of solar power battery storage.
The club had already invested in solar panels but wanted to extend the benefit through battery storage to cover electricity used when the club house is open during the evenings and to run appliances overnight. Their hope was to reduce running costs to help the sustainability of the club.
James Popplewell, Grants Officer at the club, said: "The solar batteries have been installed and already we have reduced our reliance on grid electricity. We are now able to rely much more on solar power, so this not only reduces our bills but our CO2 too.
"The Council’s Grants Scheme is one of the best I have used. Online and automated systems make it easy and efficient."
If you have any questions, want to discuss your project idea or check your eligibility, contact the Funding and Awards Officer via email at grants@blaby.gov.uk or call 0116 272 7566.
Councillor Cheryl Cashmore
Portfolio Holder for Health and Leisure