Councillor Community Grants open for applications

Many great community projects start with someone saying, “Wouldn’t it be good if…”

From there, the best ideas become reality when people come together and make them happen. Sometimes a relatively small amount of support is all that’s needed to get a good idea off the ground.

That’s why I’m pleased applications are now open for Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council’s Councillor Community Grant scheme.

The scheme provides grants of between £250 and £3,000 for one-off projects and activities that create a lasting benefit for local communities.

As a Borough Councillor for Oakley & The Candovers, I have an allocation of £2,000 available to support applications that benefit residents across the ward.

What I’ll be looking for

These are some of the things I’ll be thinking about when deciding which applications to support.

People getting involved

Will this create opportunities for more people to participate in community life?

Working together

Will this help people, groups or communities build stronger connections and support one another?

Making things happen

Will this help people take the next step and make something happen that otherwise might not get off the ground?

Lasting benefit

Will there still be a benefit once the grant has been spent?

I’d particularly like to encourage people, groups and organisations to share ideas, skills and experience across Oakley & The Candovers. We have some fantastic communities in the ward, and good ideas often inspire more good ideas.

Where possible, I’d rather help several good ideas get off the ground than focus all the funding in one place.

How to apply

Applications are made through your ward councillor — not directly to the council. Before submitting anything, please get in touch so we can talk through your idea.

You’ll also need to read the council’s guidance for applicants, which explains who can apply, what the grant can fund, and what documents you’ll need.

If it looks like a good fit for the scheme, you’ll complete the application form and send it to me with the supporting documents listed in the guidance. I’ll then pass it to the council’s grants team for assessment.

Once the council has everything it needs, you should hear back within about six weeks. If your application is approved, you’ll have eight weeks to buy the item or run the activity and claim the grant back.

The scheme closes at midday on 1 March 2027.

If your organisation or group has an idea that could benefit local residents, I’d be pleased to hear from you.