Community Grants Scheme open

Voluntary groups, charities and sports clubs are being urged to apply for fresh funding as Blaby District Council launches its 2026-27 Community Grants Scheme. 

A range of grants are available including up to £5,000 towards improving facilities or switching to greener energy, plus smaller pots up to £500 for buying equipment or covering various costs. 

Thanks to long-term sponsor Everyone Active there’s also funding of up to £500 for projects that improve the health and wellbeing of residents. 

Last year some £66,500 was awarded to 36 different organisations, with around a third of these being first-time applicants.  

The scheme has four grant rounds across the year and the deadline for applications for this first round is 5pm on Friday 5 June. A panel meets after each deadline to determine which applications will receive funding. 

Budding grant seekers can join a MS Teams online information session on Tuesday 5 May at 12 noon to find out more detail and ask any questions. 

Councillor Nick Chapman, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Community, said: "Having been on the grant panel during the past year as Portfolio Holder, I’ve been so impressed by what local voluntary and community sector groups do for our residents. Our grants scheme has helped with such a range of projects, from the installation of LED lighting and solar power, saving energy and money for village halls and sports clubs, to purchasing vital equipment or covering costs to deliver regular social or physical activity sessions. We also awarded six grants to specifically support people struggling with the cost-of-living, including five Warm Spaces over the winter. 

"There have been no changes to the grants scheme this year as we want to continue to offer a wide range of organisations the chance to receive financial support.  Whether you’re familiar with the scheme already or you are a new community group just starting out, I’d encourage you to take a look at the different grants we offer as we may be able to help." 

For more information, including details of the online MS Teams session visit: Community Grants Scheme

Councillor Nick Chapman
Portfolio Holder for Community