Rother District Council Community Grants Scheme 2025
The Rother District Council Community Grants Scheme launched its most recent round on 15 September 2025, through our partner, the Sussex Community Foundation (SCF). The fund helped 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 has closed, with a high volume of applications having been received, and a total of almost £100,000 given to support a wide range of projects across the Rother area, split between revenue and capital grants.
The Community Grant Scheme is expected to reopen for a new round of applications in 2026, with further information on this to be updated as soon as possible, including regarding the launch date for the next round once further details are available.
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 made online on the Sussex Community Foundation website, Rother District Council Community Grants Scheme – Sussex Community Foundation – however, the application window is not currently active, since the previous round of the Community Grants Scheme closed for submissions on 31 October 2025. More information will be available on the application process opening for the next round in 2026 once further details including the launch date are confirmed.
