Community Funding Grants available

Community organisations and Town and Parish Councils across West Northamptonshire can apply for the latest round of Welcoming Spaces funding, helping to strengthen local support networks and provide safe, inclusive places for residents to connect with others and access support within their communities.

Funded by the UK Government through the Community Coordination element of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), the refreshed Welcoming Spaces programme introduces a new tiered approach to recognise and support organisations as they expand and strengthen their community offer.

The tiers are:

• Bronze – providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for local residents
• Silver – demonstrating increased community participation and engagement
• Gold – delivering strong local impact through partnerships, collaboration and community leadership

Funding is linked to each organisation's tier and development journey, with grants ranging from £1,000 for Bronze organisations to £3,000 for Gold organisations.

Applications will be assessed against the Welcoming Spaces standards, as well as local and hyperlocal need. Consideration will be given to local priorities, available data and intelligence, and the support and facilities already available within each area. 

We are inviting expressions of interest for community transport grant funding from Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Organisations that operate, or are prepared to operate, within the geographical area of WNC, and from the Town and Parish Councils of WNC that have community transport projects or services. 

These may include new initiatives, existing projects or services, or expansions of existing projects or services that:

• addresses the transport service gap created by the closure of Ability CIC
• improve accessibility to employment and services such as healthcare, leisure and education for all people in the geographical area of WNC, including those, for whatever reason, have access to a limited range of transport modes
• addresses unmet needs where there are gaps in the commercial bus network provision within the geographical area of WNC
• increases connectivity between the rural and the urban commercial centres within the geographical area of WNC
• improves connectivity by connecting rural communities to the locations they need to access within the geographical area of WNC

You can also apply for use of one or more of the four former Ability CIC minibuses. 

The Neighbourhood Fund is designed to support the  neighbourhood priorities that have been identified by the Local Area Partnerships (LAPs).

The projects and services we will consider for funding should be designed to respond to the neighbourhood priorities and:

• demonstrate a place-based approach, working across neighbourhood priorities 
• demonstrates collaboration between organisations and partners
• demonstrates meaningful engagement with residents and community voice
• uses an Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, a community led approach to development that focuses on existing strengths and assets
• enables communities to create solutions and take actions to support themselves and each other
• improves health, wellbeing, and quality of life of residents. 

Email laps@westnorthants.gov.uk for an application form and guidance.

Please include the scheme name in the title of your email – The Neighbourhood Fund, and the location of your project or service (LAP, or postcode). 

Also include your contact telephone number in your email. 

This grant scheme is open to local registered charities, not-for-profit and VCSE organisations that operate, or are prepared to operate, within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire.

Eligible applicants must address an identified local need, and support, enable or facilitate the achievement of one or more of the Council's strategic aims, objectives or priorities.

Details of these strategic aims, objectives or priorities can be found:

• on our website
• in our Community Funding Grants Framework

Community, voluntary and social enterprise organisations that operate, or are prepared to operate, within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire Council.

Town and Parish Councils are not eligible to apply for this grant.

If you have any questions, please contact us by email communitygrants@westnorthants.gov.uk.

Please include the scheme name in the title of your email - LIO Delivery and Support Fund.

We are seeking to fund a single Local Infrastructure Organisation (LIO), or a partnership of LIOs, that will:

• strengthen the VCFSE sector in West Northants, building organisational capacity, governance, safeguarding, finance, risk and HR
• grow funding and investment, helping local organisations secure external funds and become bid ready
• build community based early help and prevention, aligned with the Prevention Strategy and Local Area Partnership (LAP) priorities
• amplifie a strong, representative VCFSE voice in local system decision making.
• improve workforce skills, quality and impact, including volunteering pathways and quality assurance

Delivery will include:

• tailored support for small charities, CICs, faith and resident led groups in priority LAP areas
• workforce development covering safeguarding, trauma informed practice, governance, charity law, fundraising, volunteer management and strategic leadership.
• training, templates and coaching to develop robust plans, policies and fundable proposals
• 1‑to‑1 organisational development for groups under pressure or experiencing growth
• brokerage of volunteers and trustees to strengthen capacity

Local Infrastructure Organisations that operate, or are prepared to operate, within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire Council.

Town and Parish Councils are not eligible to apply for these grants. 

Email communitygrants@westnorthants.gov.uk for an application form and guidance.

Please include the scheme name in the title of your email - LIO Delivery and Support Fund.   

If you have any questions, please contact us by email communitygrants@westnorthants.gov.uk.

Please include the scheme name in the title of your email - LIO Delivery and Support Fund.

We are inviting expressions of interest for community transport grant funding from Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Organisations that operate, or are prepared to operate, within the geographical area of WNC, and from the Town and Parish Councils of WNC that have community transport projects or services. 

These may include new initiatives, existing projects or services, or expansions of existing projects or services that:

• improve accessibility to employment and services such as healthcare, leisure and education for all people in the geographical area of WNC, including those, for whatever reason, have access to a limited range of transport modes
• addresses unmet needs where there are gaps in the commercial bus network provision within the geographical area of WNC
• increases connectivity between the rural and the urban commercial centres within the geographical area of WNC; and
• improves connectivity by connecting rural communities to the locations they need to access within the geographical area of WNC

Email communitygrants@westnorthants.gov.uk for an application form and guidance.

Please include the scheme name in the title of your email – COMMUNITY TRANSPORT.  
 

If you have any questions, please contact us by email communitygrants@westnorthants.gov.uk.

Please include the scheme name in the title of your email – COMMUNITY TRANSPORT 
 

We are seeking to fund community preventative mental health support programmes that meet the identified needs and assist WNC in achieving one or more of the corporate plan, strategic aims, objectives, or priorities of WNC, which creates an equitable, accessible, and sustainable solution for our communities within the available budget. 

The priority areas are projects or services that: 

• building emotional resilience and positive mental wellbeing
• improving mental health awareness and reducing stigma
• supporting active lives and healthy lifestyles
• reducing loneliness and social isolation
• suicide prevention for high-risk groups

Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations who operate or are prepared to operate within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire Council and have an income of £100,000+ per annum.

Town and Parish Councils are not eligible to apply for these grants. 

Email communitygrants@westnorthants.gov.uk for an application form and guidance.

Please include the scheme name in the title of your email - CMHPAWG GT £100K.  

If you have any questions, please contact us by email communitygrants@westnorthants.gov.uk.

Please include the scheme name in the title of your email - CMHPAWG GT £100K and include a contact telephone number in your email.

We are seeking to fund community preventative mental health support programmes that meet the identified needs and assist WNC in achieving one or more of the corporate plan, strategic aims, objectives, or priorities of WNC, which creates an equitable, accessible, and sustainable solution for our communities within the available budget. 

The projects and services that we are seeking to fund must:

• build on local strengths and community assets
• demonstrate meaningful engagement and participation with residents
• encourage collaboration between local organisations partners, and residents
• improve mental health and wellbeing
• use an Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach
• address one or more of this grant scheme’s priority areas

Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations who operate or are prepared to operate within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire Council and have an income less than £100,000 per annum.

Town and Parish Councils are not eligible to apply for these grants. 

Email communitygrants@westnorthants.gov.uk for an application form and guidance.

Please include the scheme name in the title of your email - CMHPAWG LT £100K.  

If you have any questions, please contact us by email communitygrants@westnorthants.gov.uk.

Please include the scheme name in the title of your email - CMHPAWG LT £100K and include a contact telephone number in your email.

The Community Investment Fund is designed to support initiatives that build on local strengths and enhance community assets within each  Local Area Partnership (LAP) or neighbourhoods within a LAP.

The projects and services we will consider for funding should be designed to support initiatives that build on local strengths and enhance community assets within each  Local Area Partnership (LAP) or neighbourhoods within a LAP.

The Community Investment Fund priorities will be approach based rather than thematic and seeks to support projects that:

• demonstrate a place-based approach (across a LAP area or neighbourhood within a LAP)
• encourage collaboration between organisations, partners and local residents  
• demonstrates meaningful engagement with residents and community voice
• uses an asset-based community development approach, a community led approach to development that focuses on existing strengths and assets  
• improve health, wellbeing and quality of life  

Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations and Town & Parish Councils who operate or are prepared to operate within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire Council.

Including community groups partnered with any of the above, where the partner provides ongoing support and acts as the accountable body. 

Email  laps@westnorthants.gov.uk for an application form and guidance.

Please include the scheme name in the title of your email – Community Investment Fund, and the location of your project or service (LAP, or postcode).

Also include your contact telephone number in your email. 

This funding is to strengthen Grow, Cook, Eat, a programme that helps people learn how to grow food, cook healthy meals, and make better choices about nutrition, while supporting wellbeing and building stronger community connections.

The scheme aims to tackle food and health inequalities, while promoting healthier lifestyles and stronger communities.

Community, voluntary and social enterprise organisations that operate, or are prepared to operate, within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire Council.

Town and Parish Councils are not eligible to apply for this grant. 

Email communitygrants@westnorthants.gov.uk for an application form and guidance.

Please include the scheme name in your email - Grow, Cook, Eat Programme Development Delivery Grant.

If you have any questions, please contact us by email communitygrants@westnorthants.gov.uk.

Please quote “Grow, Cook, Eat Programme Development Delivery Grant” and include a contact telephone number in your email.

The funding is to be used to provide vital single homelessness and rough sleeping services, to support individuals:

• sleeping rough
• at risk of sleeping rough
• at risk of returning to rough sleeping

Community, voluntary and social enterprise organisations that operate, or are prepared to operate, within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire Council.

Town and Parish Councils are not eligible to apply for this grant. 

Email communitygrants@westnorthants.gov.uk for an application form and guidance.

Please include the scheme name in your email – Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant

Welcoming Spaces Grants have been developed to support the creation and/or enhancement of Welcoming Spaces that offer a safe, warm and welcoming environment for local people, especially during colder months and can provide vital services and support to those in need.

Further details can be found on our Welcoming Spaces page. 

This grant scheme is open to local registered charities, not-for-profit and VCSE organisations that operate, or are prepared to operate, within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire.

Eligible applicants must address an identified local need, and support, enable or facilitate the achievement of one or more of the Council's strategic aims, objectives or priorities.

Details of these strategic aims, objectives or priorities can be found:

• on our website
• in our Community Funding Grants Framework

Community, voluntary and social enterprise organisations that operate, or are prepared to operate, within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire Council.

Town and Parish Councils are not eligible to apply for this grant. 

This grant scheme is open to Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Organisations that support people from the LAPs of West Northamptonshire Council.

The projects and services that will be considered for funding must develop the skills of people from the LAPs of WNC and focus on training and learning to increase participants’ employability and the chances of getting a job.

This can be:

• vocational or alternative approaches to education
• soft skills development
• vocational skills and interest development
• career guidance and mentoring
• volunteering, training, and skills development programmes

Eligible applicants must address an identified local need, and support, enable or facilitate the achievement of one or more of the Council's strategic aims, objectives or priorities.

Details of these strategic aims, objectives or priorities can be found:

• on our website
• in the Community Funding Grants Framework

Community, voluntary and social enterprise organisations that support people from the LAPs of West Northamptonshire Council.

Town and Parish Councils are not eligible to apply for this grant. 

Email communitygrants@westnorthants.gov.uk for an application form and guidance.

Please include the scheme name in your email. 

Grants are available for projects or services:

• supporting the Food Aid Network
• supporting  vulnerable households struggling to afford energy bills and energy saving essentials
• providing educational and practical skills for everyday living
• supporting those who are homeless or in temporary accommodation
• supporting vulnerable households struggling to afford household and wider essentials

Community, voluntary and social enterprise organisations that operate, or are prepared to operate, within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire Council.

Town and Parish Councils are not eligible to apply for this grant. 

Daventry: Southbrook

Northampton: Bellinge, Briar Hill, Blackthorn, Kingsheath, Semilong St David’s (Kingsthorpe), 

Applications are now closed.

If you are unable to complete using the digital form please contact wellnorthantswest@westnorthants.gov.uk for a paper copy

If you have any questions or would like further information contact the Well Northants team by emailing: wellnorthantswest@westnorthants.gov.uk

The funding will be allocated through a participatory budgeting approach which is designed to empower citizens and communities

It gives people a chance to have their say on what matters for their local area. local people are invited to hear about projects and vote on which they would like to see delivered in their community

A grant of up to £137,962 is available for a local Healthwatch service to understand needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf.

Currently, West Northamptonshire Council and North Northamptonshire Council have a joint Northamptonshire Healthwatch organisation contract that will expire on 31 March 2025.

This transition will enable the Council to separate from a Northamptonshire-wide Healthwatch service and develop a new, local Healthwatch West Northamptonshire service.

A local Healthwatch service is a requirement of the Health and Social Care Act 2012. 

The Health and Social Care Act 2012 places limitations on the types of organisations that can provide Healthwatch services. These limitations ensure that providers meet the definition of voluntary, community, or social enterprise organisations, and certain not-for-profit constitutionalised organisations.

Town and Parish Councils are not eligible to apply for this grant. 

5pm on Wednesday 22 January 2025

 

If you have any questions, please contact us by email communitygrants@westnorthants.gov.uk.

Please quote “Healthwatch West Northamptonshire” and include a contact telephone number in your email.

Grants of up to £100,000 are available for projects or services that support:

• the Food Aid Network
• vulnerable households struggling to afford energy bills and energy saving essentials
• vulnerable households struggling to afford household and wider essentials

Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Organisations that operate, or are prepared to operate, within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire Council.

Town and Parish Councils are not eligible to apply for this grant. 

Grants from £20,000 are available for projects or services that are community based which seek to improve the mental wellbeing of local residents.

The Council welcomes joint bids, especially with an emphasis on collaborative working to tackle mental health inequalities within our local area.

Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Organisations that operate, or are prepared to operate, within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire Council.

Town and Parish Councils are not eligible to apply for this grant. 

Email publichealth@westnorthants.gov.uk for an application form and guidance.

Please state ‘Community Mental Health Prevention Grant’ in the subject title of the email.

If you have any questions, please contact us by email publichealth@westnorthants.gov.uk and include a contact telephone number in your email.

Please state ‘Community Mental Health Prevention Grant’ in the subject title of the email.

Grants of up to £100,000 are available for projects or services that support:

• the Food Aid Network
• vulnerable cohorts such as disabled people, care leavers, pensioners and those with caring responsibilities
• vulnerable households struggling to afford household and wider essentials

Community, voluntary and social enterprise organisations that operate, or are prepared to operate, within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire Council.

Town and Parish Councils are not eligible to apply for this grant. 

Grants of up to £5,000, are available for arts and culture projects or services that address an identified local need and support, enable or facilitate the achievement of one or more of the Council's strategic aims, objectives or priorities.

To be eligible to apply for this grant scheme organisations must meet 2 or more of the following requirements:

• providing ongoing arts or culture activities for the local community
• improving the well-being of vulnerable people
• increasing the number of people accessing arts and culture
• increasing the number of visitors to West Northamptonshire
• increasing levels of physical activity through the use of arts and culture activities

The funding is available for new or existing projects and is open to all Voluntary and Community Sector organisations.

However, priority for funding will be given to those who work with:

• young people aged 0-16
• care leavers
• carers
• foster carers or adopters
• older people
• people with disabilities
• people with mental health issues
• people from diverse communities

Community, voluntary and social enterprise organisations that operate, or are prepared to operate, within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire Council.

Town and Parish Councils are not eligible to apply for this grant.

This grant scheme is open to local registered charities, not-for-profit and VCSE organisations that operate, or are prepared to operate, within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire.

Eligible applicants must address an identified local need, and support, enable or facilitate the achievement of one or more of the Council's strategic aims, objectives or priorities. Details of these strategic aims, objectives or priorities can be found on our website and in our Community Funding Grants Framework.

Community, voluntary and social enterprise organisations that operate, or are prepared to operate, within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire Council.

Town and Parish Councils are not eligible to apply for this grant.

This grants scheme aims to support local people to develop their learning and skills and help them get into work.

These grants are available to provide support to the Council’s residents, aged 16+, no longer in full-time education, who would like to develop more or different skills.

Examples of how the grant can be used include:

• delivering training towards qualifications or building life skills
• improving communication skills and social skills
• increasing confidence, work experience, coaching or other support
• supporting literacy and digital skills

The Skills for Communities grant scheme compliments WNC’s existing Multiply programme which is already delivering numeracy skills to local people. The grants cannot be used to fund activity already supported through other funding streams such as the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

Community, voluntary and social enterprise organisations that operate, or are prepared to operate, within the geographical area of West Northamptonshire Council.

Town and Parish Councils are not eligible to apply for this grant.

If you have any questions, please email economy@westnorthants.gov.uk.

Please quote "Skills for Communities Grant Scheme" and include a contact telephone number in your email.