Grants

Applying for a Parish Council Grant

Next Deadline 31st July 2026!!!

Parish Council Grants

Grant funding is one of the key ways Holme Valley Parish Council supports our community. We want to fund projects that align with our wider objectives, so please read these guidelines before applying.

Make sure that your application meets all the various requirements detailed in the “Holme Valley Parish Council Grants Policy” below.

If you need help, the Clerking Team is always happy to advise.

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Types of Grants We Offer

The Parish Council awards several different types of grants:

1. Community Assets Grants
   • Administered by the Finance & Management Committee
     • For community-led capital projects: building works, improvements to premises including outdoor spaces, or large equipment.
     • Annual budget (2026–27): £46,940
     • Maximum grant: £5,000 (larger awards may be made in exceptional cases)
     • Some awards may be multi-year (rolling grants)

2. Projects & Events Grants
   • Also administered by the Finance & Management Committee
     • For festivals, events, sports clubs, recreational groups, music groups
     • Annual budget (2026-27): £19,500
     • Maximum grant: £1,500
     • Some awards may be multi-year (rolling grants)

3. Christmas Grants
   • Administered by the Service Provision Committee
     • Larger grants for community Christmas lights displays
     • Smaller grants for groups decorating community Christmas trees

4. Special One-Off Grants
   • Occasionally awarded for national or royal events (e.g., jubilees, commemorations).

If you’re unsure which category your project fits into, the RFO can advise.

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Holme Valley Parish Council Grants Policy 2026-27

1. Introduction
   Holme Valley Parish Council is committed to supporting local organisations, groups, and initiatives that benefit the parish and its residents. This Grants Policy sets out the framework for how the Parish Council considers and awards financial assistance.

2. Purpose of Grants
   The purpose of Parish Council grants is to:
   • Support projects, activities, community assets, events and services that directly benefit residents of the parish.
   • Encourage community engagement, wellbeing, and social inclusion.
   • Strengthen local organisations and enable them to deliver services and events.

3. Who Can Apply
   The Parish Council welcomes applications from:
   • Voluntary and community groups operating within the parish.
   • Registered charities and not-for-profit organisations.
   • Clubs, societies, and residents’ associations that benefit the parish community.
   • Community Interest Companies having both i) a constitution and ii) volunteer directors or a committee or a board of trustees or a management board.

4. Eligibility Criteria
   Applicants must demonstrate that:
   • The grant will be used for a specific project, event, or activity.
   • The project provides clear benefit to residents of the Holme Valley.
   • They have access to a bank account in which the grant award can be deposited.
   • They can provide evidence of good governance (e.g., constitution or governing document) and financial viability.
   • The applicant has met any administrative requirements regarding a prior award.

5. Exclusions
   Grants will not normally be awarded for:
   • Projects that do not benefit Holme Valley residents.
   • For-profit organisations.
   • Community Interest Companies which are only run by paid workers.
   • Places of worship.
   • Political or religious campaigning.
   • Activities that only benefit an individual.
   • Items or services that would normally be provided by other statutory public bodies like schools, NHS services, the police, and/or funded through central or local government.
   • Retrospective funding (projects already completed).
   • Salaries and utility bills (unless specifically agreed and justified).
   • Organisations with substantial unallocated reserves.
   • Fundraising events (where the primary focus of a project/campaign is only to raise money).
   • Items that should normally be the core responsibility of the organisation. The Parish Council would not normally pay, for example, for football nets for an adult football club, or band uniforms for an adult brass band.

6. Levels of Funding
   • The Council will determine the maximum grant available each year as part of its budget-setting process.
   • Larger applications may be considered in exceptional circumstances, subject to budget availability.
   • Some applications may be considered for rolling, multi-year grants. These may apply to a fixed period, or for the duration of a Council term. Funds for rolling grants come from the same budgets as other grants.

7. Application Process
   • Application forms can be downloaded or printed from the bottom of this page.
   • Applications must be submitted on the Parish Council’s latest, official Grant Application Form, downloadable from www.holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk/grants.
   • Completed applications must be received by the published deadlines (usually 31st July and 31st January each year).
   • Applications outside of these dates will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, for
     example:
     • responding to unforeseen community emergencies
     • cases where financial hardship would result from delay
   • The Parish Council prefers that applications and supporting documents come as PDFs. (Other formats including paper and Word are accepted.)
   • Final decisions rest with the Parish Council.

8. Assessment Criteria
   The priorities of Holme Valley Parish Council Grants.
   Your grant application should advance at least one of the Council’s priorities:
   • Combating the climate emergency
   • Promoting and enhancing biodiversity and the natural environment
   • Supporting local residents in greatest need
   • Promoting the mental and physical health and wellbeing of local residents
   • Encouraging social interaction, by the provision of activities and events
   • Protecting local heritage – the physical environment and cultural heritage
   • Supporting community owned assets, eg village halls, parks, gardens and open spaces
   • Promoting festivals and tourism

Other criteria that the Parish Council will consider when making decisions on grants include:

• The level of community benefit.
• The number of residents likely to benefit.
• Value for money.
• Evidence of need and support for the project.
• The organisation’s track record of delivery on its other projects.
• The levels of reserves held by the organisation.
• Sustainability of the project (if ongoing).
• Other funding sources secured/sought.
• Whether the project will generate income for the community group.

9. Conditions of Grant
   Successful applicants should:
   • Use the grant only for the purpose stated in the application.
   • Refer to the project as “Funded by Holme Valley Parish Council” in publicity and reports.
   • Complete a Grant Evaluation Report within 6–12 months showing how the grant was spent and what outcomes were achieved.
   • Return any unspent funds to the Parish Council.

10. Monitoring and Review
    • The Parish Council reserves the right to withhold, withdraw, or reclaim a grant if conditions are not met.
    • Details of a project, including photographs, may be used in the Parish Council’s newsletters, social media, or on its website.
    • Representatives from the Parish Council may want to visit an organisation to see how public money has been spent.
    • The Grants Policy will be reviewed annually.

If you require any further guidance on completing the application form, the Deputy Clerk/RFO will be happy to help deputyclerk@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk Tel: 01484 684670

You can also download rolling lists of grants awarded over recent years