Community groups to receive more than £300,000 to deliver initiatives across West Northants
14 October 2026
Thirty-five voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations across West Northamptonshire will share £309,919 in grant funding from West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) to help deliver projects and services that support local communities.
This year's funding round saw unprecedented demand, with more than 100 applications submitted requesting a combined total of around £1.3 million in funding. However, due to significant financial pressures facing the Council and increasing demand on statutory services, less than £310,000 was available to distribute.
Despite these challenges, WNC has continued to prioritise investment in the VCFSE sector, recognising the vital role community organisations play in supporting residents, strengthening communities and improving wellbeing across West Northants.
Funding awards were agreed following a robust assessment process overseen by a cross-party Community Funding Grants Panel. Applications were carefully reviewed against a range of criteria, including community need, project reach, expected outcomes and alignment with the Council's priorities.
The funding programme was highly competitive, with many strong applications received.
Cllr Charlie Hastie, Deputy Leader of WNC and Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: "The sheer volume and quality of applications received this year demonstrates the incredible work being delivered by our voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector across our area.
"We received requests totalling around £1.3 million but unfortunately had less than £310,000 available to allocate. While we remain fully committed to supporting our valued VCFSE organisations, the financial pressures facing local government and the increasing demand on statutory services mean the funding available this year was significantly reduced.
"We had a number of really strong projects and programmes that, had additional funding been available, we would have liked to support. Unfortunately, that simply wasn't the position, and some bids did not score highly enough to be successful within the funding available.
"The awards process was carefully considered and decisions were made based on community need, the number of residents likely to benefit, the outcomes projects would deliver and how closely they aligned with the Council's priorities.
"I'd like to thank every organisation that applied and congratulate those who have been successful. We look forward to seeing the positive difference these projects will make in communities across the area."
Alongside the community grants programme, the Council also commissions specialist support from Social Action West Northants, which includes Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire, South Northants Volunteer Bureau and Daventry Volunteer Centre, to help local groups identify external funding opportunities, strengthen funding applications and build long-term organisational resilience.
All unsuccessful applicants have now been notified of the outcome of their application, with successful organisations currently being contacted to complete the next steps in the grant award process.
Funding will support a wide range of initiatives and services that benefit communities across West Northamptonshire, helping to improve wellbeing, reduce inequalities, strengthen community resilience and provide support for residents most in need.