Community organisations invited to apply for new Neighbourhood Fund
05 October 2026
Community and voluntary groups across West Northamptonshire are being encouraged to apply for grants from £1,000 up to £7,500 as West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) launches a new Neighbourhood Fund.
Opening on Monday 5 October 2026, the fund has been created to support projects and services that respond to local priorities identified through West Northamptonshire’s Local Area Partnerships (LAPs).
LAPs remain a vital part of our place-based approach to improving health and wellbeing. They are designed to foster collaboration among local organisations and communities, focusing on prevention, early intervention, and community-led solutions that reduce health inequalities and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. They bring together residents, public services, and local organisations to better understand local challenges and identify priorities that matter most to communities.
Funding will be available for projects and services that address one or more of the identified neighbourhood priorities while improving health and wellbeing, strengthening community assets and being shaped by local people. The fund is open to Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations, Town and Parish Councils, and community groups looking to develop collaborative projects or services with local residents. Details of the five neighbourhoods and their neighbourhood priorities are available on the West Northamptonshire Council Local Area Partnerships webpage
Applications must demonstrate meaningful community engagement and participation, show how local people have influenced the development of the project, and outline how the proposal will build on existing strengths and assets within the neighbourhood. Funding may be used to support new initiatives or expand existing projects and services but cannot be used to continue existing provision.
Cllr Charlie Hastie, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at West Northamptonshire Council said: "Strong communities are built when local people have the opportunity to shape the services and projects that matter most to them.
“The Neighbourhood Fund will help residents, community groups and local organisations work together to address the priorities they have identified for their area.
Applicants will need to demonstrate how their proposal addresses one or more of the relevant neighbourhood priorities, how residents have influenced the project or service development, and evidence meaningful community engagement and participation. They must also explain how they will work in partnership with other organisations and show how a strengths-based approach will build on existing community assets and resources.
To request an application form and guidance notes, please email laps@westnorthants.gov.uk.
A webinar providing further information about the Neighbourhood Fund will take place on 14 October 2026 at 1pm. Anyone wishing to attend should register their interest by emailing laps@westnorthants.gov.uk by 12 October 2026. A Microsoft Teams invitation will then be provided.
Applications for this funding round must be submitted by 10am on Monday 30 November 2026.