Grants available for groups that give communities a helping hand

Local groups that improve people’s well-being, reduce isolation, help families eat nutritiously or aim to provide a warm safe space this winter can now apply for a grant.

Devon County Council have made £85,000 available this year for not-for-profit, voluntary or community groups, registered charities or social enterprises that are providing services or activities for the benefit of people and communities in Devon and they can apply for grants of up £1,000 from the Growing Communities Fund (GCF).

This year’s GCF is funding has been launched alongside a new £150,000 fund to support and kick-start activities, projects or schemes that will help enrich the lives of Devon’s young people called the Places To Go, Things To Do Youth Fund.

New figures released show food inflation has reached an 18-month high of 4.2 per cent – pushed up by household essentials and favourites like chocolate, eggs and butter. The energy price cap is also rising again.

These increases inevitably affect those on the lowest incomes the most and since its inception the GCF has helped hundreds of local projects, many of which are helping communities cope continuing high food prices and bills.

Since its launch in July 2022, we have awarded 657 grants totalling more than £1.2m.

The GCF was initially set up to support proactive, effective, measurable and sustainable actions to enable individuals and communities to build self-reliance and improve mental health and wellbeing.

Groups which are encouraged to apply include those that bring communities together for meaningful activities and social interaction, offer local people a warm safe haven during winter or alleviate food poverty by producing or distributing surplus food and essentials or who offer communities the means to cook nutritious meals on a budget.

You can complete and submit the grants application form online.