New grant scheme for Community Growing projects

Grants of up to £500 have been launched by South Cambridgeshire District Council to support communities to grow their own food sustainably as part of the wider cost of living response project.

The Community Growing small grants will enable local groups to buy equipment and tools that will help to support projects on unused land for items such as raised beds, seeds and soil.    

The new grant scheme was approved by the Council’s Grants Advisory Committee on Thursday 25 April. In light of Good to Grow week 2024, the Committee supported the national week of action to promote community growing along with the grant scheme. Community gardens could encourage others to get involved in community growing by inviting volunteers to help out, inspiring newcomers and preparing for the upcoming growing season.

Parish / Town Councils, community groups and schools are all eligible to apply. Informal groups of local residents are also able to bid. To ensure the project will benefit the wider community and not just individuals, applicants must demonstrate how they intend to share their produce should there be a surplus. This could be through a donation to their nearest foodbank, or a ‘help yourself’ box placed nearby. It will also be encouraged for groups to share photos of their produce and any donations to foodbanks to help promote this scheme.

Once applications have been submitted, decisions will be made within two weeks to enable projects to start as soon as possible.

The grant will run until 31 March 2025, or until funds are exhausted.

Cllr Bill Handley, Lead Cabinet member for communities, said: “The grants for the Community Growing projects will enable local groups to help feed their communities whilst empowering them to cultivate not just crops, but connections. It’s great we’re able to make a difference in assisting with funding and also helping to contribute to people’s wellbeing.”

The initial sum available for this grant scheme will be £5,000 to fund at least 10 projects across the district.  However, the scheme will be reviewed based on demand.

To find out more and apply, please visit the South Cambridgeshire District Council webpage.