Community groups and organisations can now apply for funding for small-scale local initiatives through the Councillor Community Grant Scheme, launched by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Now in its sixth year, the scheme has funded over 350 initiatives, helping community and voluntary organisations to deliver one off items or activities that make a difference to people’s lives and bring communities together.

Borough councillors are each allocated £2,000 that they can use to support organisations providing services or facilities that benefit the residents in their ward. Councillors can give grants of between £250 and £2,000 individually, or they can pool funding with one or two other councillors within Basingstoke and Deane to provide grants up to a maximum of £3,000.

The grant funding can be used to support initiatives that evidence community need and demonstrate ongoing community benefit as well as contribute to key priorities set out in the borough council’s Council Plan – to encourage pride in local communities, to protect and enhance the natural environment and to deliver high-quality services for residents.

Since its launch, the Councillor Community Grant Scheme has scheme has awarded more than £350,000 to community and voluntary organisations. Recent successful applicants have received funding for plants and gardening equipment, signage, kitchen equipment and a community mural.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion Cllr John McKay said: “Our communities are something we can all be proud of, but they need continued support to truly thrive.

“The Councillor Community Grant Scheme gives our councillors, who are rooted in their local areas, the opportunity to invest in projects and activities that can make a real difference to residents’ lives.

“I encourage groups and organisations to explore the scheme, speak to their ward councillors about their ideas, and help us deliver even more for communities across the borough.”

For more information about the scheme and eligibility criteria, visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/cllr-community-grants or email grants@basingstoke.gov.uk