Rother District Council Community Grants Fund to launch in autumn 2025
The Rother District Council Community Grants Fund is being launched in autumn 2025, through our partner, the Sussex Community Foundation (SCF). The fund will support grassroots projects that strengthen communities in Rother, promote a thriving local economy, improve wellbeing, and protect the environment. The total value of the fund is £100,000 and is split between revenue and capital grants.
The fund will launch during autumn 2025 (precise dates to be updated shortly). All the information needed to make an application will be on the Sussex Community Foundation website https://sussexcommunityfoundation.org/ from when the fund launches in autumn 2025.
Applications
Applications will be accepted from not-for-profit organisations including charities, community organisations and social enterprises with an income of less than £2 million. Community groups, community organisations and Parish and Town Councils are eligible to apply. Parish and Town Councils who partner with a voluntary organisation or constituted group will take priority over Parish/Town Council standalone applications. The Fund is not open to applications from individuals. Applications will be accepted from formally constituted groups (with a bank account set up in the name of the organisation) and applicants are expected be based in Rother District, and demonstrate their ability to work locally (in Rother) through established networks or with local partner organisations.
Funding priorities
Funding criteria is based on three of the four Sussex Community Foundation funding priorities and aligned Rother’s priorities, namely: Improving Health, Reaching Potential, and Acting on Climate as below:
Reaching Potential / A Thriving Local Economy
• Initiatives that provide skills and training opportunities.
• Projects that support people to access job opportunities or enhance employability.
• Organisations offering volunteer placements to develop community engagement.
Improving Health / Live Well Locally
• Health and wellbeing activities aimed at addressing health inequalities.
• Projects that provide opportunities for older people to engage in activities
• Grants that promote positive health and well-being.
• Community sports and recreation projects promoting physical activity and wellbeing.
Acting on Climate / Green to the Core
• Environmental conservation and biodiversity projects.
• Initiatives that promote recycling, reuse, and reduction of waste.
• Projects focused on sustainable energy and climate action at the community level.
Application Process
Applications are to be made online on the Sussex Community Foundation website, https://sussexcommunityfoundation.org/ with the application process to be available from autumn 2025 when the fund is launched.
