Councillors' Ward Improvement Grant

The Councillors' Ward Improvement Grant Scheme is available to groups and organisations in the Harborough district. Each ward member has been allocated £5,000 to support initiatives of their choice within their ward which benefit ward residents and/or improve the environment within the ward. Applications must be for values between £1k to £5k and grants must be paid to the organisation by 31 March 2026. Organisations must be constituted and have a bank account in the name of the organisation. Organisations must contact their ward councillor directly (Councillors) to discuss their project proposal.

The grants must support projects that benefit ward residents and/or improve the environment within the ward. These can be delivered by organisations from voluntary and community, public or private sectors. There should be a lasting impact through physical improvements or benefits to community cohesion and wellbeing.  

Examples of eligible projects are below, though this list is not intended to be exhaustive:  

• Organising community events or activities to bring residents together.  
• Making improvements to public spaces or community facilities.  
• Funding volunteer training or workshops to support local initiatives.  
• Providing equipment or resources for community groups.  
• Start-up funding to get projects going.  
• Match funding for another grant, for example a feasibility study to support a Section 106 grant or Community Grant.  
• Hosting workshops or programs for example promoting health, education, or wellbeing.  
• Providing marketing and promotion material for groups and events.  
• Supporting emergency or seasonal initiatives, such as distributing supplies during cold weather or providing resources for flood preparedness. 

If the application is for part-funding of a project – grants will not be paid until evidence of other funding has been provided.  This must be provided by 31 January 2026. Applications that are unlikely to meet this criterion will not be eligible for funding. 

Items not able to be funded will include:  

• Regular or recurring expenses such as staff salaries, utilities, rent, or administrative costs of an organisation or general funding to support an organisation's routine or core activities.  
• Activities that involve a future cost to Harborough District Council.  

Projects should demonstrate responsible use of public funds and broadly align with Council values :- Corporate Plan | Harborough District Council