The fund supports delivery of East Suffolk Council’s Strategic Plan Our Direction 2028, focusing on Tackling Inequalities, a Thriving Economy, and Environmental Impact.
What can be funded?
We can fund projects which:
- make services and support more equitable, recognising that different groups within the community have specific needs and challenges;
- strengthen local economic resilience by supporting the enterprise development ecosystem;
- enhance the quality, functionality and appeal of town and village centres;
- protect and improve community assets so they remain viable and accessible to all;
- improve access to key services/support, with a particular focus on those that increase levels of financial wellbeing, offer family support, provide skills development, volunteering or employment opportunities and/or well-being activities;
- enable community resilience, social connections and local pride;
- increase feelings of safety in town and village centres;
- deliver visible improvements such as upgraded community facilities, improved public spaces, greener infrastructure and enhanced visitor experiences.
All projects must support at least one of the following priority areas:
- Thriving Local Centres and Enterprise – improving town and village centres and supporting small businesses;
- Participation, Skills and Inclusion – increasing access to services, skills, wellbeing and community participation;
- Visitor Economy, Culture and Local Identity – celebrating heritage, culture and local identity;
- Green Economy, Sustainability and Infrastructure – supporting low‑carbon and environmental improvements.
Who can apply?
The Fund is open to not-for-profit community‑led organisations delivering projects in East Suffolk, but excludes projects located within the parish boundaries of Lowestoft and Felixstowe.
Eligible applicants include:
- Constituted community and voluntary groups
- Registered charities
- Town and parish councils
- Not‑for‑profit organisations (including CICs limited by guarantee)
- Village hall and recreation ground committees
Please note that all applicants must have a governing document, a bank account in the organisation’s name, and be based in East Suffolk.
How much funding is available, and how much can I apply for?
The fund combines £1,000,000 capital and £500,000 revenue investment over the next two years (2026/27 and 2027/28).
- Capital grants: £10,000 to £50,000;
- Revenue grants: £5,000 to £25,000.
Maximum total grant per project: £50,000, which can be a combination of both capital and revenue using the grant ranges above.
Applicants must provide at least 30% match funding. The fund can support up to 70% of eligible project costs.
Funding will be allocated to eligible projects via funding rounds until all funds are allocated.
What can't be funded?
The fund cannot support projects that:
- have already started;
- cover core running costs or general staffing costs;
- involve land or property purchase;
- replace equipment on a like‑for‑like basis;
- duplicate existing provision;
- cannot be completed within 12 months.
How do I apply?
Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)
All applicants must first complete and submit a short Expression of Interest to confirm eligibility.
Step 2: Full application
Once the EOI stage of a current funding round closes, if successful at EOI stage, applicants will be invited to submit a full application with details of need, outcomes, budget and supporting documents.
When to apply
The fund runs multiple funding rounds each year, with published deadlines. Projects must start after funding approval.
| Rounds | EOI Applications Open | Full Applications Open | Project Start From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 - 29 May 2026 | 8 June - 17 July 2026 | 24 August 2026 |
| 2 | 17 August - 7 September 2026 | 14 September - 23 October 2026 | 30 November 2026 |
| 3 | 23 November - 11 December 2026 | 21 December - 29 January 2027 | 8 March 2027 |
| 4 | 1 - 19 March 2027 | 29 March - 7 May 2027 | 14 June 2027 |
| 5 | 7 - 25 June 2027 | 5 - 30 July 2027 | 6 September 2027 |
| 6 | 30 August - 17 September 2027 | 4 - 29 October 2027 | 6 December 2027 |
| 7 | November - 17 December 2027 | 17 January - 11 February 2028 | 20 March 2028 |
Awards process
At the expression of interest stage, council officers can provide informal advice about your eligibility. The application process has been designed to be as straight forward as possible whilst also ensuring we have all the information we need to make sure the funds are spent appropriately.
Applications are reviewed by officers at East Suffolk Council. If further information or clarification on applications is required, officers will contact applicants to request this. Once we are satisfied that all required information has been submitted and the proposals meet the requirements of the fund, applications will be presented to a panel of council representatives with appropriate expertise.
Applications will be awarded funding if in the panel’s reasonable opinion, the proposals are in line with the purpose of the fund, are appropriately located and provide value for money.
Further information
For further help or eligibility questions, please contact the grants team via email or telephone: 01502 523334.