£90k available to community groups as believe housing launches latest round of large grants

Schools, charities, social enterprises, community interest companies, town, parish or community councils, faith groups or venues, and community and voluntary groups can all apply.

Projects must include both capital and revenue elements and at least 30 per cent of beneficiaries need to be a believe housing customer to meet the criteria.

Capital costs can include new assets or the refurbishment of existing assets which will have community benefit and an expected lifespan of at least five years.

Examples include new buildings and repairs or refurbishment to existing buildings; outdoor space such as play areas, gyms, gardens and allotments; assets for community or village halls such as PA and audio/visual systems or broadband routers, cabling and installation; vehicles; and public artwork.

Funding can also go towards setting up classes, activities, or events; travel costs which are integral to an activity; buying equipment; marketing and promotion; and equipment and resources to run an initiative.

Damian Pearson, Community Investment Performance Team Leader at believe housing, said: “Our community funding programme helps deliver projects in our communities that put our customers on a pathway to improving their lives.

“As we look forward to changing more lives with our funding, we want to hear from projects which will address inequalities resulting from the cost-of-living crisis; support employability, training, volunteering and upskilling; increase household income; improve health, wellbeing and confidence; or support a greener, fairer future.”

Organisations interested in applying for a Large Capital Community Grant can find out more on the website www.believehousing.co.uk or contact believe housing’s Community Investment Team on 0300 1311999.

The deadline for applications is Monday, 19 February 2024.