Community funding

Find out what Breckland Council has funded in your community on ourFunding Map

Make a Grant Enquiry

Before applying for a grant from Breckland Council, let us help you identify the right funding opportunity for the type of project you're considering and to ensure suitability for the way your organisation is governed. 

Whether you're a grass roots community group, a registered Charity, CIC or school, completing theCommunity Grant Enquiry form will give us some basic details so we can provide suitable feedback and advice. 

We've had great success supporting local groups to access both Breckland Council and external funding pots. 

Please e-mail any additional queries to community@breckland.gov.uk

Inspiring Communities Match Funding (opens new window)

Operating in rounds from June 2024 - 2027.  

Our match-funding grant scheme awards fixed grants of £5,000, up to a maximum of 50% of total project costs.

This scheme is delivered byNorfolk Community Foundation - Funding (opens new window) on behalf of Breckland Council. 

For enquiries, contact NCF directly: E-mail grants@norfolkfoundation.com or call 01603 623958

Spark Fund

A discretionary grant scheme available to eligible groups or organisations wanting to pilot or trial new community activity, or support existing provision which is at risk of ending.

The activity should aim to improve community health and wellbeing where there is evidence of a need or desire for this new provision, which isn't currently available in the local area or easily accessible in a nearby ward.

Grants are fixed £500 awards. 

To discuss your project, please complete ourCommunity Grant Enquiry form

Community Transport Fund

Breckland Council has allocated a further £6,000 for the continuation of the Community Transport Grant Scheme for a second financial year 2024-25.
The extension of the 2023-24 pilot is thanks to an ongoing underspend in the Community Car Scheme budget (£6,270).

VCSE organisations can apply for a grant of £500 to enable them to provide alternative community transport solutions, to address the historical gap in access to transport for residents.

The Council recognises that flexible solutions are needed based on the individual needs of the community and this scheme focuses on transport barriers in relation to both medical appointments and connection into local community activity, for improved health and well-being outcomes.

This initiative is aimed at VCSE organisations who are best placed to identify transport needs and deliver appropriate solutions, and it should sit alongside existing Community Car Scheme provision and work to address any gaps in need around this service.

Please find attached a copy of the full grant guidance.

To discuss an application to this grant scheme please contact our Community Enablers at community@breckland.gov.uk

Our Breckland Lottery (opens new window)

A weekly online lottery to support local Good Causes in Breckland, including community groups and services providing activities for residents.

The initiative is free to join, and all eligible organisations receive 50 per cent of every ticket sold.Find out if your group is eligible (opens new window).

Sign up or to buy tickets in support of a Good Cause via the website.

Please email enquiries to the Community team (community@breckland.gov.uk).

Community Car Schemes

Breckland Council works in partnership with local town and parish councils to provide grants to enable the provision of Community Car Schemes. Grants are awarded annually, please see web page for more details. 

Norfolk Community Foundation (opens new window)

Providing local funding support to small charities and voluntary groups, offering grant opportunities from a range of sources. 

For enquiries, please email the Grants team (grants@norfolkfoundation.com) or telephone 01603 623958. 

NCF also partner businesses with charities viaNorfolk ProHelp (opens new window), a network of professional firms committed to making a difference in their local community by providing free advice and support to the voluntary and non-profit sector.

Visit their website to find out more. 

National Lottery Community Fund (opens new window)

Offering funding from £300 to £20,000, supporting projects for up to two years. Funding can be used to deliver new or existing activity, or to support organisations to change and adapt to new and future challenges. 

They fund projects that'll do at least one of these things:

• Bring people together to build strong relationships in and across communities
• Improve the places and spaces that matter to communities
• Help more people to reach their potential, by supporting them at the earliest possible stage
• Support people, communities and organisations facing more demands and challenges because of the cost-of-living crisis.

Applications are ongoing. Apply at least 16 weeks before you want to start the activities or spend any of the money.

Section 106

Under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended, contributions are sought from developers towards open space, recreation and outdoor play provision, as a result of new developments. The terms of each agreement vary according to the timescale and locality outlined in each individual agreement. 

Your town or parish may have access to funds, which can be used to benefit the community's outdoor offer. Email the Planning team (planning@breckland.gov.uk) to find out if funds are available in your area.