We have always worked with and supported the voluntary and community sector and recognise the contribution the sector makes both to maintain and improve the quality of life for the community within the Harrogate district.
We need to ensure that grant funds are administered in line with recommended best practices, ensuring there are open and transparent processes, to provide some stability to the funded organisations during the ever-changing funding landscape, ensure value for money and outcomes are achieved and that the funding is allocated in line with our priorities.
A policy and framework have been developed and adopted by the council to assist in achieving all of the above.
There are several opportunities to receive grant funding, these are detailed below:
Community defibrillator grant funding - now closed for applications
The community defibrillator grant fund scheme is funded by Harrogate Borough Council.
The purpose of the fund is to support communities across the Harrogate district to purchase a Public Access Defibrillator (PAD). A defibrillator allows access to life-saving emergency equipment that is available for anyone to use when a cardiac arrest is suspected.
The successful grant applicants will be funded up to a maximum of £1,000 for the purchase of a defibrillator. An additional fund of up to £500 is available if the organisation wishes the defibrillator to be mounted on an external wall for maximum public access.
To find out more information please visit www.harrogate.gov.uk/grants/community-defibrillator-grant-funding
Rural community energy fund
The rural community energy fund (RCEF) is a grant to support rural communities in England to develop renewable energy projects, which provide economic and social benefits to the community.
A whole range of community groups can apply for the fund. These could be parish councils, charities, local groups with a specific interest in the environment, or any legally constituted group with a community focus.
Projects delivering a whole range of sustainable energy technologies, including solar power, wind turbines, hydropower, heat pumps, and anaerobic digestion can be supported.
The RCEF grant will support the upfront costs involved in getting a project to a position where it is ready to start on site. However, it does not pay for the capital costs of the technology. Capital funding can be through borrowing money against future income from selling electricity, or from an issue of community shares. It is expected different finance options will be considered through a feasibility study.
Available funding
Funding of up to £40,000 is available for stage one feasibility studies into sustainable community energy projects. This is the maximum award. Smaller projects which require a lesser amount of feasibility funding are also encouraged. For larger projects, up to an additional £100,000 can be secured through a stage two development bid.
Full guidance can be found at teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/business/key-sectors/energy-and-renewable/rural-community-energy-fund, or please email RCEF@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk to be put in touch with our RCEF project officers.
THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate district - now closed for applications
Community groups and projects can apply for grants from THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate district.
THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate district reopened on 1 November 2022 for applications from local groups in the Harrogate district.
Grants are available of between £200 and £3,000. Applications needed to be received by 9 January 2023 with decisions and grants awarded mid-February.
This is the second round of THE LOCAL FUND for the Harrogate district in 2022 and is provided through contributions from THE LOCAL LOTTO plus other private donors.
To find out more about the fund and to apply please visit www.tworidingscf.org.uk/fund/tlfharrogate.
Starbeck community grants fund - now closed for applications
A funding opportunity for groups and individuals in the Starbeck ward.
Grants are available for a host of projects - perhaps you have an idea for increasing access to voluntary clubs or improving the quality of life for local people. Maybe you have identified an opportunity to enhance the local area, or your group needs some new equipment.
Applications from groups towards projects that:
- enhance the quality of life of Starbeck residents, adding value to the local community
- allow more residents and volunteers to become involved in community projects
- be able to demonstrate the impact or outcome within 12 months
- need the grant to assist with start-up funding
Applications from individuals will be considered for projects, schemes or courses that will enhance the:
- educational advancement of an individual
- sporting or cultural advancement of an individual
- provide a grant for start-up funding (for a new venture or idea)
Allocation amount
Groups are invited to apply for up to £1,000
Individuals are invited to apply for up to £200
Funding term: Grants are allocated on an annual basis.
For further information about the Starbeck grants, please contact Jennyfield Styan Wellbeing Hub on 01423 521667 or email us.
Platinum Jubilee community grants - now closed for applications
The Platinum Jubilee in 2022 will mark seventy years of Her Majesty's reign. An extended bank holiday, from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June 2022, will provide an opportunity for communities throughout the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and the world to come together to celebrate this historic milestone.
A funding pot of £15,000 has been made available. Local groups who would like to organise and host Platinum Jubilee inspired activities and events in the Harrogate district to enable local people to celebrate as a community can apply.
Community groups and organisations can apply for grants of between £200 to £1,000 for events and activities taking place over the Jubilee bank holiday and up to £2,000 for legacy projects that must be completed by 30 September 2022. Applicants must show a clear link to the celebration of the Queen's Jubilee in terms of theme and activity planning.
Eligible organisations are required to have a constitution/evidence of governance. This evidence must accompany the application.
We are hoping that local community groups and organisations will join in with the festivities and use this grant funding to bring local communities and individuals together to celebrate The Queen's Jubilee.
For further information please visit www.harrogate.gov.uk/grants/platinum-jubilee-community-grants