Ward councillor community fund grant scheme

Information about grants provided by ward councillors to the local community, and how to apply.

About the scheme 

The Ward Councillor Community Fund Grant Scheme was introduced in October 2020. As of 1 April 2024, each Ward Councillor has a £1000 fund from which they can provide grants to eligible local charities/non-profit groups. 

Grant criteria

  • The scheme is designed for ‘Not for Profit’ groups that have a formal constitution, are a registered charity or CIO. 
  • The applying organisations must have a bank account with at least two signatories on that account. 
  • Applicants must provide clear evidence of the expected costs for their project or event (e.g a quote or estimate) and awards will not be made retrospectively. 
  • In exceptional circumstances, where a ‘for profit’ organisation is part of the application chain, a maximum of one Ward Councillor grant per financial year may be made. 
  • The maximum grant per application is £500 and must be for the direct purchase of an asset, a resource, or a cost directly related to putting on an event. 
  • If an application is for an indirect action such as marketing, then a maximum of one Ward Councillor grant is available at £250. 
  • Applications are to be for the Surrey Heath area only and must demonstrate a clear benefit to Surrey Heath residents, in particular groups or residents in the community who might otherwise face challenges in accessing resources or support.
  • Applications should be able to demonstrate clearly the number of residents impacted by the award of the grant and show that consideration has been given to inclusion and accessibility for all. 
  • Priority will particularly be given to applications which demonstrate how vulnerable or marginalised residents or groups will be supported by the award of the grant and to organisations which can show that they will support the council in its key aim of ‘Promoting Healthier and More Inclusive Communities’.
  • No event or organisation will be awarded more than three Ward Councillor grants in any financial year 
  • The organisation must acknowledge the contribution of SHBC in any publicity or communications relating to the event or resource/asset funded. 
  • Applications may not be submitted on behalf of other organisations. 
  • Applications will not be accepted for activities promoting specific religious or political beliefs. 
  • Applications will not be accepted from statutory authorities, schools/colleges, or individuals.  
  • Ward Councillor grant funding is provided at the discretion of SHBC and may be removed at any time.  The decision of SHBC in relation to the award of grant funding is final and there is no right of appeal. 

 Endorsing Councillor criteria

  • A Councillor can make awards outside their ward, but the home Ward Councillor must be advised of the application and award. 
  • A Councillor cannot fund a group or activity for which they are a trustee, or any organisation in which they or any member of their household or immediate family including parent, child, brother, sister or stepfamily are directly involved in the decision making or running of that organisation.  
  • Any unused funds cannot be carried over to the next financial year. 
  • At the beginning of Quarter 4 of the financial year (January), unspent funds will become available for award by all ward councillors, up to a maximum of two additional awards of £500 - the above criteria will still apply to any application. 
  •  The applications are to be administered by the Community Development Manager and the Head of Performance, HR and Communications before being processed for payment. 
  •  Any application that is either unclear or questionable will be referred to the Portfolio Holder or Leader of the Council if either is conflicted, for a final decision. 
  • The budget will be monitored by the Head of Performance, HR and Communications in consultation with the finance department. 
  • All successful bids will be reported to the Portfolio Holder on a monthly basis, and annually to the Executive and the Performance and Finance Committee. The annual report will highlight multiple applications (both successful and unsuccessful) by organisations across a three-year period to ensure that appropriate governance has been followed. 

Application process 

To apply, contact your ward councillor, to talk with them directly how you think we can help your local group. You will then need to complete the ward councillor community fund grant scheme online form.

We cannot accept any application made before talking with a ward councillor. 

More information 

For more information, please email community.development@surreyheath.gov.uk (link sends email).