GrantRadar

Mid Suffolk District Council

Community Growing Fund (Mid Suffolk)

Grants of £5,001 to £30,000 from Mid Suffolk District Council, part of its Food and Drink Action Plan, to buy land for or develop community growing sites such as community gardens, orchards, community farms and allotments. Only for parishes and villages that lack a community growing site or need to expand one. Two stages (expression of interest, then full application), first come first served, open until 31 March 2027.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
£5,001 – £30,000
Deadline
158 days left
31 March
Effort
Heavy
budgets, references, often several stages

Who can apply

  • Constituted voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations in Mid Suffolk established to buy and run a community growing site as a social enterprise or community business, such as Community Benefit Societies, CICs, parish councils or limited companies with exemptions; partnerships are welcome with a clear land tenancy and site management arrangement
  • They must already provide a service for Mid Suffolk residents, be able to fund the rest of the project cost from their own or other funds, be financially viable as shown by audited or independently examined accounts, and have safeguarding, health and safety and equal opportunities policies
  • The parish or village must lack a growing site or need to expand one, with evidenced community backing
  • Applicants need freehold ownership or a lease with at least 10 years left
  • Priority goes to parishes with a Neighbourhood Plan or Parish Infrastructure Investment Plan featuring the asset

What it funds

The purchase of land and / or development of community growing sites such as community gardens, orchards, community farms or allotments, for projects meeting one or more of the fund priorities:

  • Support the production of locally grown food to reduce food miles and encourage more sustainable food systems that minimise impacts on the environment
  • Enhance community food security through increased access to locally produced, nutritious food
  • Build the skills, knowledge, and confidence of local residents in food cultivation, preparation, and consumption
  • Improve physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connectedness through participation in food growing activities
  • Sustainable, nature-friendly growing and food production practices are adopted and maintained

Projects needing up to £5,000 can apply to the Sustainable Communities Food Fund instead.

What it will not fund

  • Private individuals
  • For-profit businesses
  • Statutory authorities
  • Schools (the council's Nature Recovery team has a separate scheme: biodiversity@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk)
  • Community groups without an independent bank account
  • Villages or towns with an established community growing site which meets local need
  • Retrospective funding for projects or purchases already completed or commenced
  • Costs for services or activities that form part of the government's statutory responsibility
  • Projects that harm or lose existing habitats of importance to local wildlife

How to apply

  1. Read the guidance notes and the EOI scoring matrix, and discuss the project with the Grants Team if helpful
  2. Submit an Expression of Interest form, describing the project, the need and gap it fills and the difference it will make; officers score it
  3. If the EOI is approved, you are sent a blank application form; submit the full application within 2 months of the stage one decision, without significant changes to the project
  4. Applications are scored against the published matrix; those scoring under 50% are not eligible
  5. Successful applicants receive an offer letter, valid for 4 weeks
  6. Funding is released against invoices or receipts once the full funding package is evidenced; complete within 12 months and return monitoring

Open for EOIs and applications until 31 March 2027, first come first served while funds last.

Have ready

  • Expression of Interest form
  • Full application form (after EOI approval)
  • Evidence of land tenure: freehold, or a lease with at least 10 years unexpired
  • Comprehensive business plan and fundraising strategy
  • At least two quotes for capital purchases and expenditure
  • Audited or independently examined accounts
  • Evidence of wider community backing and need
  • Evidence that habitats and species have been safeguarded

The council may also ask for your policies or constitution before assessment or payment.

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