Vale Grants for Communities
There are a number of grants available from the Vale for community groups and Parish Councils. Below is an outline of what each grant is and what it can be used to pay for. There is a Grants Officer who can help groups decide which fund is most suited to the project you need to fund and can support you through the application process. Some of the application forms are points based and it is important to comply with all of the criteria to stand the best chance of your application being successful. All District Councillors sit on the Area Committees that make the final decisions on some of the funds, so do get in touch with Debby or Emily for information and support with your application.
| Grant title | Who/what it can fund | Deadlines |
| Festival and Events Grant Up to £1,000 per application (£15,000 available each year) | Events run by community groups and charities. | Applications are open through the year. Groups need to apply at least 4 weeks before the event is due to take place. |
| Capital Community Grant Up to £5,000 per application. Match funding of 50% or more must be secured (minimum of £100,000 available each year) | Community groups or Parish/Town councils. Must show benefit to communities and demonstrate local need. Previously used for furniture, equipment, IT, building improvements, etc. | Two rounds per year, the next one expected in September. Money must be spent one year from award date. |
| New Homes Bonus £100,000 is available each year subject to Council’s Budget. No limit for individual applications. | Community groups or Parish/Town councils that have seen housing growth. Revenue or capital to support the integration of new homes into existing communities. | Rolling applications but not open until September |
Other financial support available from other parts of the Vale District Council:
- Disability Facilities Grant (to fund adaptations for individuals, usually on their own homes)
- Home Improvement Loans (for elderly people in private housing to pay for renovations on an equity loan basis. The money is recovered by the Vale when the house is sold)
- Fuel Poverty Grants (available for individuals via the Energy Officer in Corporate Strategy)
- LEADER funding (£1.5m is available for private businesses. Aims to boost enterprise and the rural economy.)
Information about all of the funding and grants available from the Vale is available at: http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/services-and-advice/community-advice-and-support
Other organisations that could help your group find funding
- Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action provide community groups with details of other funds available in Oxfordshire and support to apply for these ocva.org.uk
- Oxfordshire Rural Community Council provide advice and capacity building for a wide range of groups and initiatives that support rural areas orcc.org.uk