Funding available to help improve green spaces and community facilities in Wealden

The Wealden Community Infrastructure and Spaces Funding Programme is now open for applications and organisations such as Not for Profit organisations – along with town and parish councils – can apply for grants between £1,000 and £20,000.

The funding – offered by Wealden District Council in association with the government – is for projects that will improve accessibility and energy efficiency for community facilities and infrastructure as well as improving green spaces and active travel routes.

Examples of projects can include installing seating areas and bike racks within green spaces, creating new or additional accessible footpaths and cycle routes, upgrading energy efficient boilers, LED lighting or improving accessibility within village halls and community areas.

A total funding pot of £120K is available.

Councillor Paul Coleshill, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Climate Change and Economy said, “The funding programme has been made available through the government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund. The funding is a good opportunity for organisations within the district to adapt or improve existing facilities or to create new ones.

“This will be a rolling programme and applications will be processed on a first come first served basis. The fund closes in autumn 2024, or sooner if all funds are allocated, so apply soon to avoid missing out.”

The England-wide initiative is a new £110million, two-year capital fund from the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs, complementary to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. It will enable the council to support projects in rural areas of the district.

Further details about the grant scheme and information on how to access the application can be found at https://www.wealden.gov.uk/information-for-businesses/economic-development-and-growth/rural-england-prosperity-fund/wealden-community-infrastructure-and-spaces-fund/

For organisations wishing to register their interest, please contact the council via email on communitygrants@wealden.gov.uk