Community groups can apply for capital grants once more as Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils highlight some successful projects from the 2023/24 financial year.

On Monday, 13 May, the capital grant application window reopened, providing community groups across both districts with the opportunity to secure financial support.

Capital grants help to cover the cost of a project up to a maximum of £10,000. Funding is available to help make improvements and repairs to social infrastructure, including anything from village halls and communal spaces to play areas and sports facilities.

In the 2023/24 financial year, a total of £367,803 was distributed across the districts to dozens of successful capital grant applicants, with £128,293 awarded in Babergh and the remaining £239,510 going to projects in Mid Suffolk.

Grants from Babergh District Council helped to provide a new minibus for The Befriending Scheme, improve disabled access at Kersey Village Hall, purchase equipment for Abi's Footprints Baby Bank, replace chiller and freezer units at Monk's Eleigh Community Shop, and much more.

In Mid Suffolk, other successful applications included solar panel installation at Rickinghall Village Hall and Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue in Stonham, external insulation and cladding at Norton Pre School, the purchase of a new storage container for Stowmarket Carnival, and a kitchen refurbishment for Buxhall Village Hall.

Cllr Deborah Saw, Babergh District Council cabinet member for people and place, said: "We've made no secret of the financial challenges we face in common with many other local authorities, but supporting our local communities through the awarding of grants and funding remains some of the most important work we do as a council. 

"I urge any group that needs help to make a difference within their community to apply to our grants team, and we will continue to provide financial support wherever possible."

Cllr Tim Weller, Mid Suffolk District Council cabinet member for environment, culture and wellbeing, said: "Last year, nearly £240,000 of capital grant funding was awarded in Mid Suffolk, with all kinds of projects benefitting from that money. Now the window for applications is open again, we hope to do even more to improve our communities.

"Please let us know how we can support your group or organisation to make a difference to your town or village."

Successful applications will be required to deliver their project within eight months of an offer being accepted.

The window will close on Sunday, 14 July, at which point applications will be assessed and scored against a scoring matrix to determine whether it has been successful.

For more information about capital grants, the scoring matrix, other grants in your area, and a video guide on how to apply, visit the Babergh Council website.