Council pledges ongoing support for community activities

09 June 2025

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) remains committed to supporting community-led events and activities across the area.

The Council, which has a new political administration led by the majority party Reform UK following last month’s elections, continues to give its backing to a busy  and varied local community events calendar for the year ahead, providing resource and support to community organisers.

Community-led events and activities that will be supported by WNC in the year ahead include activities for Pride, Windrush and Diwali, as well as Remembering Srebrenica Day, Ukrainian Independence Day, Hate Crime Awareness Week, Black History Month, International Women's and Men’s Days, Emergency Services Day, Holocaust Memorial Day and Stephen Lawrence Day. The Council will also continue to show its support to key events in the military calendar beginning with Armed Forces Week later this month, alongside Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, Merchant Navy Day and VJ Day 80th Anniversary commemorations.

“Our Council remains resolute in its support for all members of our community and the events and activities they organise. It’s our intention as the Council’s new administration to provide a very visible type of community leadership for all our residents, whatever their lifestyle and background. We acknowledge the role that local community forums play in promoting an inclusive environment for everyone who lives and works in West Northants and continue to support this work.

“The updated protocol prioritises the flying of flags on council buildings that foremostly reflect our local and national identity as a place that represents everyone living in West Northamptonshire.”Cllr Mark Arnull

Cllr Arnull also encouraged Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations delivering essential services across West Northamptonshire to consider applying for discretionary grant funding of up to £15,000 from the Council.

The Discretionary Community Funding Grants programme builds on the success of last year’s round, which saw over £350,000 awarded to 41 local VCSE organisations, supporting a wide range of projects and services that make a positive difference to people’s lives. Given the high level of interest, eligible organisations are encouraged to review the criteria and submit their applications as early as possible before the deadline.

The scheme is open to local registered charities, not-for-profit organisations, and VCSE groups that currently operate, or are prepared to operate, within West Northamptonshire. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate how their proposed projects address a recognised local need and contribute to one or more of the Council’s key strategic aims and priorities – these, coupled with further details on application criteria, can be found on the WNC website or in the Council’s Community Funding Grants Framework.

“Our voluntary and community sector plays an invaluable role in supporting residents across West Northamptonshire, from tackling loneliness and improving mental health, to helping people access food, advice and opportunities.

“This funding offers vital support to local groups working at the heart of our communities, and we’re proud to continue investing in them. I encourage all eligible organisations to apply and help us deliver real, lasting impact together.”Cllr Arnull

Applications must be submitted by 5pm on 23 July 2025. To request an application form and guidance, please email: [email protected].