Chesterfield community groups encouraged to apply for £250,000 grant funding
Community groups and voluntary organisations across Chesterfield are being encouraged to apply for a share of £250,000 in grant funding to help deliver projects that improve life for local people.
Eligible organisations can apply for grants ranging from £500 to £6,000 through the Community Grants Fund Scheme, delivered by Chesterfield Borough Council. A proportion of the funding has also been allocated for larger capital projects of up to £50,000.
The Community Grants Fund supports initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles, create volunteering opportunities, encourage greener choices and help build stronger neighbourhoods across the borough.
Since launching in 2023, the scheme has awarded more than £500,000 to over 100 local groups. Funding has already supported a wide range of projects, including foodbanks, community hubs, local events, skills development programmes and employment support initiatives.
Funding for the 2026 to 2028 programme has been made possible through money raised by Chesterfield Borough Council via the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) neighbourhoods portion, alongside support from Chesterfield Town Board’s Pride in Place programme, funded by the UK Government.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said:
“Since the council launched the scheme in 2023, the Community Grants Fund has helped local groups to deliver more than 100 projects that are having a significant impact on our local communities.
“We are pleased that through funding raised through the CIL neighbourhoods portion, together with funding from the Pride in Place programme, we are able to continue to deliver this scheme and have a further £250,000 available for eligible groups this year, with more to come next year.
“We really are lucky to have so many community groups and voluntary organisations here in Chesterfield that work tirelessly to deliver projects and initiatives and make a real difference to the lives of local people and we’re really proud that we’re able to continue to support them through this scheme.”
Dominic Staniforth, Partner at BHP LLP and Chair of Chesterfield Town Board, added:
“Supporting local people to make a real difference in their communities – delivering the things that are important to them – is a key part of the Pride in Place programme, so we’re really pleased to be able to use some of this funding to support local voluntary and community organisations to do just that.
“The Community Grants Fund scheme that Chesterfield Borough Council has successfully delivered for the past three years aligns with these values, and that is why the Chesterfield Town Board took the decision to invest Pride in Place funding into the project – allowing it to support even more fantastic initiatives. We look forward to seeing these grassroots projects come to life.”
How to apply
Applications for the funding scheme are open until Friday, 19th June 2026.
The council will continue to offer community development support to groups wishing to apply for funding.
Further information about eligibility criteria and the types of projects that can be supported is available at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-grants-fund
Groups can also contact the community development team directly:
- Email: communitygrants@chesterfield.gov.uk
- Phone: 01246 959657 or 01246 959415
For more support available for businesses and community organisations, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/
