Babergh District Council Funding
VCFSE Funding Review
We want to change the way that we provide grants and funding to the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector. We want to make the impact of grant giving more visible, which will improve accessibility for VCFSE groups.
In July 2024, an action plan was agreed at Cabinet to progress this work.
We have reviewed our current programme of Community Grants. For the 2025/26 financial year, we will have one grant (Community Development Grants) available which will encompass both capital and/or revenue funding - this will replace our existing Capital and Revenue Grants.
Am I eligible?
Our funding is limited to constituted community groups and organisations. Eligible groups include (but are not limited to):
- town and parish councils
- village hall or playing field management committees
- sports clubs and centres
- charities
- social enterprises
- community shops and pubs
- community interest companies
Our funding is not available for individuals or businesses.
Where can I find more information?
Before you submit an application, we recommend that applicants read our terms and conditions, which contain more detailed information about our requirements and available grants. As a lot of our application forms require outcomes and indicators to be provided, you may also wish to view example outcomes and indicators.
To get a view over which Grant may be most appropriate for your project before you apply, you may wish to submit a Grant Enquiry Form. You can also email BMSDCGrants@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk for more information, or for a conversation about your project. We always recommend that you contact us before you apply - approximately two thirds of unsuccessful applications are from those who had not contacted us beforehand.
If you're new to grants or need a refresher, our Grants Team have put together a short video to give some insights into what's needed for a successful grant application.
For each of our Community Grants, we collect monitoring information from organisations awarded funding, in order to demonstrate the impact that our funding has had and the benefits delivered to communities across Babergh.
View Community Grants impacts and reports
Which grants are available?
Through our Community Grants team, grants are available for projects that deliver clear community benefits within Babergh. We can also advise and assist groups and projects seeking external funding.
Community Development Grants
Community Development Grants can be applied for towards revenue, capital or pre-project costs and activities. Grants are available to up to 100% of total project costs to a maximum grant of £10,000. Successful applicants will be required to deliver their project within 12 months of an offer being accepted.
Community Development Grants are currently closed for applications, with one application window per financial year. More detailed information, terms and conditions and eligibility criteria can be found on our Guidance Notes. Find out more about Community Development Grants.
Sustainable Communities Food Fund
The Sustainable Communities Food Fund, formerly the Food Security Fund, has been established to support small scale, community led, food initiatives such as community pantries, fridges and food pop-ups. Between £250 and £5,000 can be applied for, towards capital costs such as the purchase of equipment, or revenue costs such as workshops and delivering activities to clients or volunteers.
Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with applications being accepted until 31 March 2026, though the Fund may close for applications prior to that point should funding be fully allocated. Successful applicants will be required to deliver their project within eight months of an offer being accepted.
For more information, view the Sustainable Communities Food Fund Guidance.
Apply for the Sustainable Communities Food Fund
Section 106
Section 106 (S106) is funding generated by development which has taken place across Babergh, and can be applied for towards a range of social infrastructure improvements, such as village halls, sports facilities and play areas.
S106 is applied for through our Grants Team. We can let you know how much S106 is available within your parish, whether a project would be eligible, and how to apply. Email the Grants Team
Alternatively, the Developer Contributions Database contains details on all S106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) available within the districts.
Locality Awards
Community groups and projects in Babergh have access to Locality Award funding through their District Councillor. More information, detailed guidance and the application forms for Locality Awards in 2025/26 can be found on our website. Find out more about Locality Awards.