East Suffolk Council has launched the new Thriving Places Investment Fund to support the district’s towns, villages and rural communities.
The fund will support projects that strengthen local communities, improve access to services and create more vibrant, inclusive and resilient places across East Suffolk.
£1.5m of funding will be available over the next two financial years, comprising £1m in capital funding and £500,000 in revenue funding, to support a wide range of community-led projects.
Grants are available for projects that deliver against one or more of the fund’s four priority areas:
- Thriving local centres and enterprise – improving town and village centres, supporting small businesses and strengthening local economies
- Participation, skills and inclusion – helping people feel connected, improving access to opportunities and reducing inequalities
- Visitor economy, culture and local identity – celebrating heritage, boosting visitor appeal and strengthening pride in place
- Green economy, sustainability and infrastructure – supporting greener communities and improving the local environment
Communities across East Suffolk face several challenges, including declining infrastructure, limited access to services, social isolation and inequalities. The Thriving Places Investment Fund will help communities respond to these challenges, whilst also supporting sustainable local growth.
Councillor Caroline Topping, Leader of East Suffolk Council and cabinet member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said:
“The Thriving Places Investment Fund is about empowering local communities to shape their own futures. By investing in places, people and ideas, we want to support projects that make a real, visible difference to everyday life – particularly in our market towns, villages and rural areas.
“I am looking forward to seeing the outcomes of projects supported by this fund and encourage applications from across the district.”
Community and voluntary organisations, charities, not-for-profit organisations, town and parish councils and village hall committees are all eligible to apply.
The fund offers capital grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 or revenue grants of between £5,000 and £25,000. Applicants can request up to 70% of total project costs, with the remaining 30% provided through match funding.
Projects could include improving community buildings, creating welcoming and accessible local centres, developing skills and wellbeing activities, enhancing visitor facilities, restoring local heritage, or investing in greener infrastructure such as renewable energy, green spaces or active travel connections.
The Thriving Places Investment Fund will operate through multiple funding rounds during 2026/27 and 2027/28. Applicants must first submit a short Expression of Interest, with eligible projects invited to complete a full application.
Projects based within the parish boundaries of Lowestoft and Felixstowe are not eligible, although organisations based in those areas may apply for projects delivered elsewhere in East Suffolk.
Further information, including guidance and application deadlines, is available on the Thriving Places Investment Fund section of our website. Organisations unsure about their eligibility are encouraged to contact the council’s grants team (grants@eastsuffolk.gov.uk) for advice before applying.
