Community grants scheme
The Community Grants team are committed to supporting voluntary, recreational and community groups in the Wakefield District. Allowing groups to enhance existing provision within their respective areas.
Within the Community Grants Team, we are responsible for the management of the Community Grants Scheme.
Grants are given to enhance the development and capability of community groups to engage their communities and carry out activities.
What are the Community Grants Scheme Funds?
There are multiple funds available for groups to access
- Neighbourhood Improvement Fund
- Community Development Fund
- Food Bank Support Fund
- Local Capital Grants Programme
The information below can be used as quick guide to each Fund. For detailed information on the individual funds, eligibility and how to apply please read the associated Community Grants guidance documentation.
Neighbourhood Improvement Fund
The purpose of the Neighbourhood Improvement Fund (NIF) is to provide funding to support a wide range of community organisations projects and activities. Each of the 21 Wards in Wakefield are allocated the same amount of NIF Funding each year and all projects must be supported by at least 2 Local Ward Councillors in the group's area.
The maximum award for the Neighbourhood Improvement Fund is £1000 per application, capped at £2000.
Community Development Fund
The purpose of the Community Development Fund is to provide grants to voluntary, recreational and community groups working within the Wakefield District to support development or activities that address inequalities in health and wellbeing.
The maximum award for the Community Development Fund is £500 per year, per group.
Food Bank Support Fund
The purpose of the Food Bank Support Fund is to help alleviate some of the pressure placed upon food aid providers and increase their capacity to deliver to the wider community. This grant is part of a wider programme of activity which looks to develop existing provision and support to meet increased demand for services from people and families facing crisis.
The maximum award for the Food Bank Support Fund is £1000 per application.
Local Capital Grants Programme
The purpose of the Local Capital Grants Programme (LCGP) is to provide funding to support capital projects within Wakefield communities. Each of the 21 Wards in Wakefield are allocated the same amount of LCGP Funding each year and all projects must be supported by all 3 Local Ward Councillor of the group's area in order to progress.
To find out more about the programme and how to apply, please contact your Local Ward Councillors.
Who can apply?
Applications are accepted from constituted voluntary, community, recreational groups and special interest forums, based and working within the Wakefield District.
These are typically the following organisations
- Unregistered community group
- Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
- Charitable company
- National Organisation
- Community Interest Company (CIC)
When to apply?
Community grants schedule 2025/26
| Deadline for applications | Applicants notified of outcome by |
| 21 April 2025 | 26 May 2025 |
| 19 May 2025 | 23 June 2025 |
| 23 June 2025 | 28 July 2025 |
| 21 July 2025 | 25 August 2025 |
| 18 August 2025 | 22 September 2025 |
| 22 September 2025 | 27 October 2025 |
| 20 October 2025 | 24 November 2025 |
| 17 November 2025 | 22 December 2025 |
| 8 December 2025 | 26 January 2026 |
| 19 January 2026 | 23 February 2026 |
| 16 February 2026 | 23 March 2026 |
Complete applications are assessed at a monthly panel. If an application is submitted before the panel but is not complete, it will be assessed at the next available panel once all missing information is provided.
How to apply
To apply for a Community Grant:
- Read the Application Guidance and blank terms and conditions of grants.
- If you would like support applying or submitting, please contact the Community Grants Team by phone or email.
- Download the Application form for the specific fund you are applying to and email the completed application (Application form and all supporting evidence) in one email to communitygrants@wakefield.gov.uk Incomplete applications will not be assessed.
- Once submitted, you may not hear from us until the outcome of your grant has been finalised.
- Please note that we will no longer be accepting applications by post. If you are unable to submit an application by email then please contact us so we can make alternative arrangements for your application.
If you are interested in grants for culture, creative and heritage activity please visit our Culture Grants page.
Contact us
Community Grants Team
Wakefield One
PO Box 700
Burton Street
Wakefield
WF1 2EB