Funding news for community buildings

Funding from the National Lottery

The National Lottery Community Fund (previously called the Big Lottery Fund) has three main programmes that might be relevant for community buildings:

Awards for All for grants of up to £10,000. This can cover a wide range of activities and small capital projects.

Reaching Communities for larger grants to support either capital or revenue projects. They are looking for more applications that fit their Places and Spaces funding priority so now is a good time to apply for a grant towards work on your building.

Partnerships funding for collaborative work with other organisations. If you’ve got ideas for working together with other organisations (maybe across your district / borough) then take a look at the information online and get in touch with the Lottery to discuss your ideas.

Lloyds Bank Foundation

We recently met Marie Hale, the Lloyds Bank Foundation regional manager, and she said they would welcome more applications from Hampshire-based organisations. Their funding is mainly for in-depth work supporting people who are struggling with complex social issues, not for building works at community centres / halls. The Foundation website has more details and they encourage you to get in touch to discuss your ideas.

New fund for village halls – a reminder

As we mentioned in February, a £3 million fund for repairs and alterations to village halls is on the way (more details here). Updates will follow when we have them and we expect the scheme to be open for applications in May-June.

Another reminder – Hampshire County Council’s grant schemes

Hampshire County Council has reorganised its grant schemes for community organisations and projects. The main page is here and details of the new Recreation and Heritage Community Fund are here. This scheme is where you need to go for grants towards building works on your community hall or centre.

Our funding sources list

Take a look at our funding list for community buildings for more grant schemes and funding ideas. You can download the list free of charge from our website.