Lewes Town Council Community Grants
Lewes Town Council recognises the immense value of voluntary and community activity and its contribution to local residents’ wellbeing.
Lewes Town Council is committed to supporting and strengthening the many networks and community groups that help to make a positive difference. The aim of Lewes Town Council’s Community Grants Scheme is to promote a vibrant and active community in Lewes.
The scheme is designed to help maintain a vibrant community sector in the town, with particular emphasis on groups and non-commercial organisations who support the council’s vision which covers:
- Sustainable transport: related infrastructure and signage, cycling routes, bus transport
- Openness: engagement; consultation; partnership
- Trees and biodiversity: wildlife and the environment, open spaces
- Support for equality, diversity and inclusion, specifically disadvantaged and underrepresented groups, and foodbanks
Please note that there are usually two rounds of funding per year. The latest deadline for applications was January 31 2024. The process is currently being reviewed and the next round of funding will open for applications soon.
Eligibility
Lewes Town Council awards grants to charitable, voluntary and other non-profit making organisations that can demonstrate that their work is of benefit to the town and its residents.
Please read our Small Grants Policy for the full eligibilty criteria.
Applications will be considered by the Finance Committee and successful applicants will be contacted by the Town Council to confirm their grant award.
As the council has a limited budget for grant spending, not all applications will be successful and each application will be judged on its own merits. Unsuccessful applicants will receive feedback on the reason(s) their application was unsuccessful and are welcome to re-apply in future funding rounds.
How to apply
Community Grant applications should be submitted using our online application form. Paper forms can be provided upon request.
The council also awards a limited number of major funding grants; for information regarding these awards you should contact the Town Clerk at townclerk@lewes-tc.gov.uk.
Timescales
In general, applications will be considered twice each year. The next deadlines for applications are:
31 July 2023
31 January 2024
Applications will be assessed and decisions made at the next Finance Committee meeting following each of these dates.
If your organisation or project has an urgent funding requirement but otherwise meets the eligibility criteria to apply, you may approach the council at any time with a request in writing for your grant application to be considered. A completed application form and supporting documentation will still be required.
Other funding sources
The Lewes Fund, managed by Sussex Giving, accepts grant applications up to £5000, with deadlines throughout the year.
East Sussex County Council have a monthly newsletter with up-to-date news on funding sources – subscribe here.
You can also search for sources of funding on the East Sussex 4 Community website or Lewes District Council’s website.