Gloucestershire County Council has launched a new £1.1 million Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund to support local initiatives that improve health, wellbeing and community life across the county.
The new scheme, which opened on Wednesday 22 October, gives each of the council’s 55 members £20,000 to invest in projects within their wards over the next 18 months. Grants of between £250 and £5,000 are available for community-led schemes that tackle health inequalities, promote wellbeing and strengthen local connections.
Eligible projects include those that encourage healthy lifestyles, improve digital inclusion, promote access to nature, and help reduce loneliness and social isolation. The fund also aims to support initiatives that make neighbourhoods safer and more cohesive.
Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Fire, said: “The Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund will help us to support the fantastic organisations already making a difference in our communities. We want to improve health and wellbeing across Gloucestershire by backing local projects that really matter to people. I’d encourage groups to apply – they could receive up to £5,000 in funding.”
Applications are now open and can be made via the Gloucestershire County Council website at Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund | Gloucestershire County Council, or by emailing GNF@gloucestershire.gov.uk for more information.