Rother District Council Community Grants Scheme 2026
The Rother District Council Community Grants Scheme launched its most recent round on 4 September 2026 through our partner, the Sussex Community Foundation (SCF). The fund helps support grassroots projects that strengthen communities in Rother, promote a thriving local economy, improve wellbeing, and protect the environment.
The last round of the Community Grants Scheme in 2025 attracted a high volume of applications and a total of almost £100,000 was given to support a wide range of projects across the Rother area, split between revenue and capital grants.
Applications
Applicants can apply for up to £10,000 in revenue grants and up to £20,000 for capital grants. The former supports day-to-day costs, staff, equipment and project delivery for up to 12 months and the latter are for building works, major equipment or refurbishment.
Not-for-profit organisations including charities, community organisations and social enterprises with an income of less than £2 million can apply to the fund. Parish councils are also eligible to apply to the fund, but community-led partnerships where the community group takes the lead will take priority.
Applicants should be based in East Sussex and demonstrate their ability to work locally in Rother through established networks or with local partner organisations. Applications will only be accepted from formally constituted groups with a bank account set up in the name of the organisation.
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.
European Year of the Normans 2027
In addition, this year, projects that support and celebrate the European Year of the Normans 2027 are encouraged, provided they also meet one or more of the scheme’s core funding priorities.
Application Process
Applications are made online on the Sussex Community Foundation website, Rother District Council Community Grants Scheme – Sussex Community Foundation – the application window is active and closes for submissions at 5pm on on Friday 16 October 2026.
