Braintree District Council has announced the launch of the UK Shared Prosperity Community Gardens and Open Spaces Fund. This grant fund is available through an application process to existing constituted groups such as charities, associations, parish councils, voluntary and community groups which aim to:

  • Create a community garden
  • Improve an existing community garden.
  • Improve an open space for community use.

Projects must be for, and of benefit to, the local community.

Groups can apply for funding up to £3,000 for capital expenditure and £500 revenue funding to a maximum of £3,500. There is no minimum amount and match funding is not required, although priority may be given to applications where additional investment is evidenced.

Guidance and application forms are available to download here

 

Interested groups are asked to email their interest to community.gardens@braintree.gov.uk advising of their intent to apply by 18th August 2023. Complete applications to be submitted by 5pm on 15th September 2023

 

We are more than happy to discuss your project ahead of applying, or advise you of other funding opportunities that may be available to you. Please call Jo Norris on 01376 552525 ext 2316 or email  community.gardens@braintree.gov.uk for more information.

 

The Braintree District Council Community Gardens and Open Spaces Fund is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

 

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)

In April 2022 the UK government launched the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The UKSPF is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment across the UK by March 2025. The fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK, investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

Braintree District Council has been allocated £1.036m from the fund for a three-year period. The money will be used for community projects, business support, and to promote new skills and employment opportunities. It will also help to deliver the aspirations in the Braintree District Council Corporate Strategy, which sets out council aims and ambitions between now and 2025. We are now in Year 2 of the Programme.

For further information please the UK Shared Prosperity Fund prospectus can be found on GOV.UK