Council announces record-breaking £1 million investment in community projects

This major programme – part of the Council’s Big Community Investment initiative – brings significant increases to several funding streams, enabling more groups, parishes and towns to deliver projects that enhance the lives of residents.

Key investments include:

• £500,000 – Community Action Fund (a tenfold increase)

• £500,000 – New Community Facilities Grant

• £150,000 – South Norfolk in Bloom Fund

• Members’ Ward Funding doubled from £1,000 to £2,000 per councillor (46 councillors now offering a combined £92,000 of ward support)

South Norfolk Council Leader, Cllr Daniel Elmer, said:

This record level of community investment reflects our commitment to improving people’s quality of life across South Norfolk. By empowering communities to spend money where it is genuinely needed, we can ensure that funding makes the biggest possible difference. Whether it’s supporting vital local services, improving facilities or helping neighbourhood projects flourish, this investment gives people the tools to enhance their own communities.”

In February, councillors voted to increase the Community Action Fund (CAF) to £500,000, allowing the Council to support a wider range of impactful community projects. Grants of £1,000-£40,000 will be available to improve health, wellbeing and quality of life.

In recent years, the CAF has helped fund mental health and wellbeing services, outdoor play areas and fitness equipment, youth, sports and cultural programmes. To complement this, the Council has created a new £500,000 Community Facilities Grant to improve local infrastructure such as village halls, community centres and other key community venues. Members’ Ward Funding has also been doubled to £2,000 per councillor, providing 46 councillors with greater flexibility to support grassroots projects within their local areas.

As part of the wider investment package, the Council has also launched the South Norfolk in Bloom Fund, offering matched funding to help parishes, towns and community groups enhance their green spaces. The initiative aims to support planting schemes, floral displays and habitats that encourage biodiversity across the district.

Local groups, charities, parishes and towns interested in applying for any of the funding streams can visit the Community Funding page or speak to their local councillor for more information.