£150,000 Community grant funding boost for local communities
Tuesday, 14 October 2025
We've awarded 12 organisations grant funding totalling £150,000 from the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).
The community projects will allow local groups to invest further in their facilities, improving access, and creating better spaces for the benefit of their communities.
Councillor Tracey Wye, our Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience Planning, and Chair of the Local Partnership Group, said:
We are delighted that we have been able to offer these grants to such a wide range of community projects for which funding is vital and makes such a difference to our communities.
We received an impressive 37 applications, each reflecting the dedication and commitment of our local organisations. Following a thorough assessment process, 12 projects were selected to share the £150,000 budget allocated for 2025. We greatly appreciate the effort behind every bid, but funding is limited. The successful projects stood out for their potential to deliver meaningful benefits and are expected to make a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of our communities.
The £150,000 government fund is made up of equal amounts of £75,000 from the UKSPF and REPF and has been awarded to support the following organisations and projects:
Projects funded by £75,000 of Rural Economic Prosperity Funding
Campton and Chicksands Parish Council, £12,878.39 – to purchase 2.2 acres of land to create a community wildlife area with trees, benches, and open green space.
Bloomin Well CIC, £8,500 – for an accessible wildlife and flower memory garden and installation of solar panels at Clophill Community Gardens.
The Greensand Trust, £24,978 – to improve accessibility and replace play equipment in the Toddler Play Area at Rushmere Country Park.
Flitwick Scout Group, £6,200 – replacement of the floor of the Scout Hall.
Ampthill Baptist Church, £22,443.61 – structural repairs to the church wall.
Projects funded by £75,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Funding
Tilsworth Parish Council, £25,000 – new play equipment at Stanbridge & Tilsworth recreation ground.
Potton Hall for All CIO, £5,061.08 – landscaping of the surrounding area and car park improving flower beds and planting of trees.
The Parochial Church Council of St. Mary the Virgin, Stotfold, £4,920 – redecoration of the church hall.
The Stanford Playing Association, £4,999 – provision of a new mower for the Stanford Playing Field.
Maulden Parish Council, £5,944 – secure storage facilities for Maulden’s Community Emergency Response Team.
Sandy Town Council, £25,000 – improvements to the Sunderland Road Skate Park.
Stotfold Town Council, £4,075.92 – provision of two drinking water fountains in Arlesey Road Sports Ground and The Green.
Eligible projects were required to be based in, or directly benefitting, Central Bedfordshire residents and provide 20% match funding. All projects must be completed by 31 December 2025.
This UKSPF scheme supports our commitment to invest in the wellbeing and development of local communities. With a focus on inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability, this scheme provides financial support to projects that address community needs and create lasting impact.
Since its launch in 2023, the Community Grant Programme has already supported 28 organisations and in total, including this round of funding, invested £818,259 across Central Bedfordshire to improve the lives of residents.