Communities across Rother have been given a boost after 15 worthwhile projects shared grants worth almost £100,000.
A total of £98,913 was given to support projects ranging from lunch clubs and community pantries to energy improvements at village halls, as part of Rother District Council’s Community Grants Scheme.
The scheme, which gives grants annually, supports grassroots projects that strengthen communities, promote a thriving local economy, improve wellbeing, and protect the environment.
Cllr Doug Oliver, who chaired the grants panel, said: “There are so many amazing projects across Rother and the Community Grants Scheme is a great way for us to support those that make a real difference in our towns and villages.
“The money awarded in the latest round of funding will help some of the most vulnerable people in our communities and support people to stay active. It’s also great to see a number of energy improvement projects benefiting, which supports our drive towards a net zero district.”
Each year organisations are invited to apply for grants or up to £10,000 to support a project, and up to £20,000 for building work and refurbishment.
The scheme is made possible with the help of funds raised through the Rother Community Lottery, with the initiative contributing almost £50,000 between 2021 and 2025.
From every £1 ticket sold 60p will go to good causes in Rother district. Local organisations receive 50p as directly chosen by the lottery’s participants and the remaining 10p goes towards a general good cause fund which is distributed to local organisations through the council’s grants scheme.
Cllr Oliver added: “Residents can support the community grant scheme and the projects that benefit from it by simply buying a ticket for the Rother Community Lottery. Not only will you be supporting local good causes, but you stand a chance to win the top weekly prize of £25,000 or other prizes.”
To find out more about the Rother Community Lottery and to buy a ticket, residents can visit Rother Community Lottery: Easy online fundraising for good causes – Rother Community Lottery
The community grant scheme will reopen for applications in 2026 and anyone who thinks their project can benefit can find out more by visiting Community Grants Scheme – Rother District Council
Successful grant scheme applicants for 2025 were;
Sussex Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrcephalus – £1,000 to support services
Rye Cricket Club – £2,000 for the maintenance of the cricket square and outfield
Marsham Older People’s Club – £2,000 to support a lunch club for elderly people
The Mildred Trust – £2,500 to support the expansion of the Community Pantry
Sara Lee Trust – £5,000 for therapy for people with cancer and life-threatening illnesses
The Good Company People – £5,500 for the launch of Monday Company Club
Beckley Village Hall Trust – £6,913.80 for installation of storage batteries
Sussex Outreach Support – £7,000 for IT equipment for new rural outreach mobile unit
Battle Memorial Hall – £8,000 to replace boiler with an air source pump
Brightling Village Hall – £9,000 for installation of solar panels and roof work
Bexhill Foodbank – £10,000 to develop Bexhill Foodbank Advice Service
Rother Voluntary Action – £10,000 to support for key areas of need identified through the Rother Food Partnership
Warming up the Homeless – £10,000 to support provision of basic need items
Pelham CIO – £10,000 for the installation of solar panels
Bexhill Amateur Boxing Club – £10,000 to help purchase a more economical minibus
Ends.
Published: 11th February 2026
