Canterbury City Council

Community Housing Grants Scheme

Canterbury City Council grants, from government community-led housing funding, for not-for-profit community organisations developing genuinely affordable homes for local people in the Canterbury district. Level one grants of up to £3,000 cover setting up and starting a project; level two grants of up to £10,000 cover project development such as business planning, consultants and site investigation. A group can make one application at each level.

Apply on the funder’s site

You could get: Up to £10,000; no fixed round
Deadline: Rolling; apply any time
Effort: Moderate; full application with documents

Who can apply

Not-for-profit community organisations and groups based in the Canterbury district (Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable and surrounding areas) that are developing affordable homes in the district through a community-led project
They must consult the local community on the project, play a long-term role in the ownership, management or stewardship of the homes, and clearly define the benefits to the local area or community, which the guidance says must be legally protected in perpetuity
The homes must be genuinely affordable and occupied by people unable to meet their housing needs in the private market
Not eligible: individuals, district, county, town or parish councillors, for-profit businesses and registered organisations, and town and parish councils (organisations receiving a public precept)
There is no minimum grant, and one application per group is allowed at each grant level

What it funds

Level One – up to £3k – set up costs and project initiation:

Setting up the organisation, getting advice on legal structures
Legal costs related to setting up the organisation
Attending training and workshops
Holding community consultation events
Producing publicity materials
Understanding the potential cost of a project, exploring alternatives and sources of funding
Level Two – up to £10k – project facilitation funding:
Costs involved in developing a project plan – business planning and financial appraisal
Legal costs related to setting up the organisation (if not already done in the level one funding)
Engaging consultants to advise on land acquisition, planning, design, etc
Consultation events
Site investigation
Financial viability advice or assessments

costs must have a direct link to the delivery of a community led housing project, for example one-off costs such as room hire, training and consultant services, and consumable costs such as stationery, food and transport.

What it will not fund

Ongoing costs related to the maintenance of buildings or structures including repairs and improvements
Overhead costs such as staff time, staff costs or utility or rent for premises
One-off costs that allow you to purchase outright an item of equipment or building materials

How to apply

Read the community housing grants guidance
Complete the council's online application form for a community-led housing grant, giving accurate costs or quotes
The council will be in touch within 10 working days of receiving the application

the council may ask for evidence supporting the project costs.

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