Members’ Community Grants Scheme 2025 - 2027

Amber Valley Borough Council has launched a new Members’ Community Grants Scheme to provide a funding boost to the people and groups making a difference in their neighbourhoods.

From April 2025, each borough councillor will be able to award up to £500 per year in small grants to support one-off purchases, events or activities that benefit local residents. Individual grants of up to £100 will be available, giving councillors the opportunity to directly support worthwhile initiatives in their wards.

The scheme is designed to offer quick, targeted support where it’s needed most. Whether it’s helping a volunteer group buy equipment, funding a small community event, or supporting a project that brings people together, these grants aim to create a positive local impact without the need for large-scale funding applications.

The scheme will run from April 2025 until March 2027, covering the next two financial years.

How to apply

If you are part of a local community group or an individual with a great idea that would benefit your neighbourhood, please get in touch with your local borough councillor to discuss your project and find out how to apply. 

You can find contact details for your local councillor at www.ambervalley.gov.uk/councillors.

Conditions for grant use

Successful applicants must adhere to the following conditions when using their grant funding:

• Grants must be used strictly for the purpose for which they were requested and approved.
• Funding must be spent within three months of being received, unless otherwise agreed with the borough councillor.
• Applicants are encouraged to prioritise local suppliers where practicable.
• Any publicity materials relating to the funded activity or event must acknowledge Amber Valley Borough Council’s support.
• All grants must be recorded in the organisation’s financial records, which must be retained for seven years and made available for inspection by the Council or its auditors upon request.
• Projects should consider their environmental impact, with reasonable efforts made to reduce any negative effects.
• All funded activities must support the council’s ongoing commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.

Restrictions and Compliance

Please note the following restrictions:

• Receipt of a grant does not imply any ongoing funding commitment from Amber Valley Borough Council.
• The council will not be responsible for the actions or liabilities of the recipient group or individual. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure full compliance with all relevant legal, safeguarding and operational requirements.
• Grants must not be paid during a Purdah period (the pre-election period). Any grant applications received during this time will not be approved until after the election has taken place.

 

 

Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 or email democratic.services@ambervalley.gov.uk’