Sedgefield benefits from an extremely proactive and invaluable community and voluntary sector, who are mainly reliant on grants and fundraising opportunities to function. More than 10 years ago, we introduced the Community Chest, supported by a ring-fenced amount each financial year, which allows local groups and organisations to access small donations.
From 1st April 2025 we are going to increase this annual Community Chest allocation from £500 to £750 with an aim to support even more local groups.
Donations remain capped at £100 per group, with each year’s allocation available from 1st April. Community Chest committee meetings will be scheduled when there are several applications to consider and once all allocated money for the year has been donated, the fund will close until the following April.
The remit of this committee is to award grants to good causes, local groups and organisations as follows:
- Organisations and individuals who bring some kind of benefit to Sedgefield and its community by running sessions, classes or events;
- Organisations or individuals who by their actions bring a benefit to the community in some way either directly or indirectly.
To see the full terms of reference and details on how to apply, visit https://www.sedgefieldtowncouncil.gov.uk/community-chest/.