Funding for local voluntary and community organisations

The purpose of the Thriving Communities Fund is to support Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS) organisations working with the residents of Reigate & Banstead where their work meets the eligibility criteria and conditions of the fund.

The Fund is intended to support projects that ‘enable our communities to thrive.’ Projects can be new initiatives or the continuation or restart of initiatives that have previously been successfully delivered. There must be a clear articulation of how the project meets the needs of residents and how the positive impact on residents will be demonstrated.

The aim is that match funding will encourage support for local initiatives and also maximise the impact of council funds.

How much funding is available 

The funding available for 2025/26 is up to £50,000 and applications can be made for between £2,000 - £10,000.

The council is offering grants on a matched funding basis. Organisations are able to apply for up to 50% of their projects costs and be required secure additional funding for the remaining proportion from other sources to match or exceed the amount provided by the council.

Grant themes 

Organisations applying to the fund are asked to demonstrate how their project ‘Enables our communities to thrive’ and must demonstrate how that their proposed project aligns to at least one of the following themes.

1. Enabling strong inclusive communities and empowering residents
2. Supporting residents’ wellbeing through,
   1. leisure, sports and cultural activities
   2. the natural environment
   3. activities that address social isolation and mental health
3. Supporting safe and cohesive communities
4. Helping people into employment opportunities

Match funding 

A key element of this fund is that organisations can apply for up to 50% of their project costs with the expectation that this will support them to secure match funding for the remaining proportion. The fund is looking to support projects, which meet the criteria and eligibility, and which demonstrate how they will raise the additional funds needed. 

Eligible organisations may apply to the fund if either:

1. funds have already been raised and evidence can be provided in the application
2. have a plan to raise additional funds within 6 months of a successful application.

Plans to raise the funds could include grants from other funders, other fundraising and donations, or through charity reserves where they have been restricted for this project/activity. Your pledge can also be a combination of these.

Timeline and key dates 

• Applications open 28 April 2025
• Applications close 23 June 2025
• Decision notices will be sent in July/August 2025 (these may be conditional)
• Organisations will have 6 months to secure match funding, if applicable.
• Funding agreements will be issued on a rolling basis (subject to match being found and due diligence completed)
• Payments will be made once a signed funding agreement has been returned
• Projects should be delivered within 12 months from when the grant is issued
• Organisations will be asked to demonstrate impact at the end of the grant period

Who can apply 

We can fund:

• Voluntary community & faith sector organisations (VCSF) who are constituted and not-for-profit (e.g. a registered charity, Community Interest Company, Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

Who we cannot fund:

• Individuals
• Organisations based outside the UK or projects being delivered outside of Reigate and Banstead
• Organisations that have previously received funding from the council and not complied with the monitoring requirements
• Projects that do not benefit residents of Reigate and Banstead, or do not meet other eligibility criteria

Applications

• Applications are welcomed for amounts of between £2,000 – £10,000
• Applications will need to demonstrate which Thriving Communities theme that their project will meet, and how it will achieve this.
• The council are able to match fund up to 50% of the outlined project costs
• Organisations will be asked to submit a pledge as part of their application, to detail how they will raise the additional funds or evidence of funding already secured.
• Organisations may come will funds (either whole or part) already in place, and evidence of this.
• Organisations projects must demonstrate how they will benefit residents of Reigate & Banstead Borough.
• Organisations may only make one application to the fund at any one time.
• Up to 10% of grant awarded can be used towards core costs & organisational capacity building.

How to apply 

To request an application form and guidance please complete the online expression of interest form below. 

Expression of Interest online form

Before submitting an application please ensure that you have read the eligibility and guidance. All completed applications and supporting documents must be received by the closing date 23 June 2025.

Contact us

If you have any questions about the fund, please contact the Community Partnerships Team by emailing communitypartnerships@reigate-banstead.gov.uk.