The Community Grant Scheme offers financial support to help community groups run meaningful, one-off projects or events. Grants of up to £2,000 are available, although most awards are for smaller amounts.
Only one application per organisation is permitted each year, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Applications must be submitted at least eight weeks before your planned activity or event.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered charities
- Constituted voluntary/community groups
- Constituted sports or youth clubs
- Constituted church/faith groups
Applicants must be based in Gravesham and actively involved in organising and delivering the event or activity, which must be free to attend and benefit the Gravesham community.
Who cannot apply?
The following are not eligible:
- Businesses or for-profit organisations
- Individuals seeking personal sponsorship
- Political parties or groups
- Councillors (Borough, County or Parish)
- Groups seeking donations for general appeals
What projects are eligible?
Examples of eligible projects include:
- One-off indoor or outdoor community events
- Celebrations, exhibitions, or significant anniversaries
- Community garden or environmental improvement projects
- Development of inclusive community sports activities or facilities
What projects are not eligible?
Funding will not be awarded for:
- Repeat or previously held events
- Food or drink
- Religious festivals
- Ticketed or invite-only events
- Staff costs, overheads, or ongoing operational expenses
- Projects with costs already incurred
Eligible costs
- One-off purchases of equipment with a lifespan of over 3 years
- One-off service or activity costs (e.g. room hire, service fees)
- Light refreshments (e.g. tea, coffee, water)
Application process
- Scheme opens: 1 April each year and runs until 31 March or until funds are fully allocated
- Submit your application at least 8 weeks before your event
- Decisions made within 2 weeks of submission by the panel
- If successful you will be notified, and need to return acceptance form, bank details, and invoice within 1 week
- Post-event you should submit photos, attendance figures, and feedback within 1 month
- Successful projects will be promoted on council platforms
Terms and conditions
Please ensure you meet all criteria before applying. Key conditions include:
- Grant must be used only for the approved project
- Funds must be spent within 6 months of allocation
- Monitoring and evaluation are required
- Any changes or cancellations must be reported immediately
- The council reserves the right to reclaim funds if conditions are not met
Ready to apply?
Click below to complete the online application form:
Need help?
If you have any questions or need support with your application, please contact the Community Involvement team by email: community.involvement@gravesham.gov.uk.