Champion grants scheme
Please note, grant applications for the 2024-25 financial year will be accepted until Friday 7 March 2025. Any applications received after this date will not be accepted.
Due to the Local Elections in May 2025, the grants scheme will remain closed until Tuesday 27 May 2025. Applications for the 2025-26 financial year will be accepted from 27 May onwards.
4. What the grants will fund
Champion grants can be used to fund different projects or activities in the community which support the work and aims of the county council's Champions.
Projects must fit in with our corporate priorities, particularly 'better lives for all' and 'stronger communities'.
Examples of what Champion grants can fund:
- Provision of equipment, such as sports equipment, play equipment and computer hardware
- Funding towards costs of community events/activities such as: advertising and publicity, equipment, materials, and transport
- Repair or refurbishment of equipment or property which will benefit the community
- Activities to improve the wellbeing of vulnerable or isolated people, such as outings, clubs, health and fitness
Champion grants can't fund:
- "Core funding" such as staffing/salary costs or office rental expenses
- Political and religious activity (as set out in our VCFS compact), although political and religious groups may apply for funding for community activities
- Research
- Projects or activities that run contrary to county council policies or are unlawful
Grants cannot be awarded retrospectively.
Even if your project meets the above criteria, your organisation may not be awarded a grant. The decision on whether to approve the funding will be made by the Champion and the Director of Law and Governance.