Capital Grants, available in Babergh and Mid Suffolk, are aimed at enabling groups to improve and repair the infrastructure in their communities like village halls, play areas, sports clubs and recreation facilities. Applicants can receive up to £10,000, and the entire cost of a project can be covered with this grant.

In Mid Suffolk, a new round of Community Development Grants are available with a wider range of uses - including protecting or enhancing our natural environment, providing cultural experiences, improving digital access or even reducing social isolation.

These projects need to show they are providing local services where gaps in provision have been identified, can receive up to £20,000 in funding and can also be used to cover 100% of project costs.

Awarded projects will have to show how they support at least one of the councils' strategies supporting communities, wellbeing or leisure, sport and physical activity.

A Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils' spokesperson said:

These are vital funding streams for organisations in our districts. The work of groups in local communities really cannot be overestimated, it makes a huge difference and means exactly the right kind of support can be delivered in the right places.

In 2022 we saw so many existing groups take up the first wave of our Community Development Grant funding. Even more new groups came forward to make use of funding like our Winter Warmth Support Scheme. This additional support is another way we make sure everyone can access the services they need, whether they're in our town centres or rural villages.

We look forward to seeing this next round of applicants and are happy to help any organisations needing help with their bids. Our priority is making the best use of this funding and the councils are here to help you do that."

Bids for both funds are now open, with the capital grants closing on 2 June 2023 and the Community Development Grants closing on 23 June 2023.

For more information, including a complete list of eligible projects, please visit the Community Development Grant page on the Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council websites.