Community Infrastructure Grant

Published Tuesday 21 May, 2024
Last updated on Tuesday 21 May, 2024

Swale Borough Council has reopened its Community Infrastructure Grant (CIG) scheme to support projects that improve and encourage the use of important community assets.

Grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available to projects that will improve community infrastructure across the borough, and can cover 75% of the capital cost.

The funding will need to go towards increasing visitor numbers, providing a new service, or reducing the carbon footprint of the facility.

Projects will need to match one of the following identified themes to be eligible for the funding:

• warm and sustainable – insulation, green power, LED lighting
• fit for purpose – alterations, improvements, and new facilities
• digitally Connected – fast broadband and Wi-Fi
• welcome and work – café development, creating or improving meeting and workspace
• mobility - EV charging points, bike storage

The council is also offering free low carbon advice to help groups planning to apply for warm and sustainable measures prepare their applications.

There is also an opportunity for applicants to fund feasibility works to make sure their projects are thoroughly planned out and have the best chance to succeed.

The scheme has already funded the installation of solar panels at the Graveney and Goodnestone Village Hall, interpretation panels at the Elmley National Nature Reserve and made energy efficiency improvements at the Upchurch Cricket Club.

The grant is only open to not-for-profit organisations that provide community facilities and amenities within Swale.

Cllr Monique Bonney, chair of the council’s economy and property committee, said:

“The grant scheme aims to improve our community by investing in our local assets, and the funded projects are already having a long-lasting positive impact on these much-loved facilities.

“We are helping future proof these community hubs by enabling them to reduce their running costs with energy efficiency measures and help the environment by reducing their carbon footprint.

“The grant is also allowing the facilities to offer more and improved services and better serve our local community by improving accessibility.

“We have seen a number of amazing projects funded so far, and we are looking forward to seeing more applications for this grant.”

The CIG is funded through the Rural England Prosperity Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

To find out more including how to apply visit Swale Borough Council’s grant page.

All previously funded initiatives are: