Media release - Community Infrastructure Grant reopens

Swale Borough Council Grants – Local Groups

The grant is only open to not-for-profit organisations that provide community facilities and amenities within Swale.  

Grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 are available to improve community facilities across the borough.

Swale Borough Council has reopened its Community Infrastructure Grant (CIG) scheme to support projects that improve and encourage the use of important community assets. 

Last year the scheme helped fund the installation of solar panels on the Graveney and Goodnestone Village Hall, helping secure its future and contributed towards the installation of a “Space in the Park” for community use in Milton Creek Country Park.

It also helped upgrade and enhance the Heather House Community Hub, kept the Sheppey Greenway Project on track, and funded the renovation of a platform at the Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway.

The funding can cover 75% of the capital costs of improvements that increase visitor numbers, provide a new service, or reduce the carbon footprint of the facility. 

  To receive funding, projects will need to match one of the following identified themes:  

• warm and sustainable – insulation, green power, LED lighting 
• fit for purpose – alterations, improvements, and new facilities 
• digitally Connected – fast broadband and Wi-Fi 
• welcome and work – creating or improving meeting areas and workspaces 
• mobility - EV charging points, bike storage 

The council is offering free low carbon advice to help groups planning to apply for warm and sustainable measures prepare their applications.  

 There is also an opportunity for applicants to fund feasibility works to make sure their projects are thoroughly planned out and have the best chance to succeed.