East Suffolk Council
Community buildings grant scheme streamlined with extended deadline
Communities in East Suffolk can now apply more easily for grant funding of up to £15,000 to carry out upgrades, improvements and essential repairs to their community buildings.
Local organisations looking to upgrade their village halls, community centres and other ‘community hubs’ have also been given more time to apply for grants, with the deadline extended to Tuesday 23 September.
The funding provided through the UK Government Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) and the East Suffolk Community Partnership Board aims to support local organisations to make upgrades such as:
• Increasing digital access by installing or improving broadband
• Increasing accessibility to the building
• Replacing a kitchen to support additional user groups
• Installing sustainable energy solutions like PV cells or ground/air source heat pumps
Grants can be provided to cover up to 80% of the total cost of the project, enabling communities to make essential repairs as well as carry out modern improvements.
Applicants should provide cost evidence by including three quotes, a business estimate from a website, or proof that three quotes have been requested (such as providing evidence of emails or a screenshot of an estimate from a business’ website.)
Applications are open until 9am on 23 September. A grant panel will choose which applications are successful. All funding must be spent, and the project completed by 31 March 2026.
Councillor Sarah Whitelock, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said:
“Following feedback from local organisations, we’ve made it easier for them to apply for the East Suffolk Community Centre and Village Hall Repairs and Improvement Fund.
“East Suffolk is made up of a strong network of community buildings, so we’re encouraging applications from these vital hubs to ensure they can continue supporting their communities for years to come.”
Community Centre and Village Hall Repairs and Improvement Fund guidance
For further information about the funding, email communities@eastsuffolk.gov.uk or grants@eastsuffolk.gov.uk