Grants for community groups

Welcome to the page for community groups - we can't wait to hear your great ideas!

We know that applying for a grant might seem complicated, but it doesn't need to be. You can find out everything you need to know on this page, and if you're struggling, get in touch and we'll help. You can email communitygrants@middlesbrough.gov.uk or call 01642 729309.

About the Community Grants Fund

Residents and small community groups who want to make a difference to their area can apply for a grant from the Community Grants Fund. If you have an idea and you need some money to get it off the ground, we can help.

You don't have to have a charity bank account or a constitution. We're just looking for people and groups who need a helping hand to make good things happen in their area.

You can apply for grants of up to £250.

Please note, grants from the Small Grants Fund are for people or small groups working to help others and improve their local area. You cannot apply to the Small Grants Fund if you're planning to spend the money on yourself. If you're in crisis and need money, you may be able to get help through the Community Support Scheme.

The kind of projects we're looking for

Your project must match at least one of our six priorities:

• help people get ready for work, or find better jobs
• help people to learn new things
• make people feel healthier or happier
• make outdoor spaces better
• bring different people together
• improve what people think of Middlesbrough, and help people to aim higher

You'll need to tell us which of our priorities your project matches when you apply.

If you'd like to meet with us and have a chat about your project before you apply, get in touch. You can email communitygrants@middlesbrough.gov.uk or call 01642 729309.

Apply for a grant

The deadline to apply for a grant is 9am on 19 August 2024. Please make sure you've read the Community Grant Fund guidance before you apply.

Apply online

The quickest way to apply is online.

We use the same application form for all of our grants. Make sure you answer 'no' to the question 'Is this application on behalf of an organisation / constituted group?', so you'll be sent to the right part of the form.

Apply by phone

If you're struggling to apply online, call us on 01642 729309 and we'll help you fill in an application.

Apply by video

You can also make a video application and send it to communitygrants@middlesbrough.gov.uk. Please tell us about your project, and why you'd like a grant.

You'll also need to let us know the names and contact details of people involved in the project when you email us.

What happens next

Once you've sent your application, you'll get an automatic response to confirm that we've received it.

We'll then contact you with a reference number once we start looking at your application. You'll need to quote the reference number if you get in touch with us.

Our grants panel makes the final decision on all applications. The panel includes people from the council and the voluntary sector. The panel will meet on 10 September 2024.

If you need a grant for an event, you should start thinking about your application 4 to 6 months in advance.

After the grants panel has met, we'll contact you and let you know if you've been successful or not.

If you're successful, we'll send you an offer letter, which you'll need to sign and send back to us. We'll give you the money on a pre-paid card, which you'll need to collect from our office.

Contact

If you need help, please get in touch. You can email us at communitygrants@middlesbrough.gov.uk or call 01642 729309.

To find out more about how we collect, store, and use your personal data, check the privacy policy for community grants.