Community groups, businesses and local organisations across South Cambridgeshire have benefited from more than £1.5 million in funding awarded during 2025-26.
The funding - totalling £1,517,111 - was allocated through a combination of District Council grant programmes, externally funded schemes managed by the Council, and commissioned services delivered on behalf of partner organisations.
A total of 195 grants worth £675,371 were awarded through Council-funded schemes during the year. This is up from 158 grants worth £516,770 in the previous financial year.
Among the biggest investments were:
- £181,650 through Service Support Grants to help community organisations deliver vital services.
- £161,291 through the Zero Carbon Communities Grant Scheme to support local climate action projects.
- £123,374 through the Mobile Warden Scheme Grants to support older and vulnerable residents.
- More than £100,000 through an Allotment Improvement Grant scheme.
There was also funding support for Community Chest grants EV charger points, tenant-led projects and people living with long-term health conditions. Other initiatives included the Six Free Trees scheme, community growing grants, strength and balance classes for residents living in sheltered housing and serious violence grant funding.
The Council also managed a further £620,042 of partner-funded grants, including funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government through the Rural England Prosperity Fund and UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This helped support projects ranging from high street improvements and community facilities to business growth initiatives.
In addition, more than £205,000 of partner funding was used to commission services that directly benefited local residents, including Community Hubs, healthy weight programmes, falls prevention initiatives and employment support projects.
Lead Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities, Cllr Dr. Lisa Redrup, said: "These grants make a real difference to communities across South Cambridgeshire. From supporting vulnerable residents and strengthening community organisations, to helping tackle climate change and supporting local businesses, this funding is helping people, places and projects to thrive. We are particularly pleased that funding has supported such a wide range of initiatives, reflecting the Council's commitment to healthy communities, environmental action and vibrant local economies."
The report, presented to the Grants Advisory Committee, highlights how grant funding supports the Council's priorities, including helping residents live independently, supporting community wellbeing, responding to the climate and ecological emergencies, and helping businesses to grow.
The full findings are contained in the Grants Advisory Committee August meeting agenda.
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