What we've been doing!

So far this month, the team have been busy with grant surgeries in Kibworth and Broughton Astley with more surgeries to come in Lutterworth and Market Harborough. 

Community Grant round three now open!

Round three of the Community Grant is now open until 19 May 2025, with decisions to be made by councillors at the Cabinet Sub-Committee Grants on 24 June. There will be a fourth round in the summer.

Community Grant funding is for capital projects across the Harborough District. Capital funding is for projects that create lasting assets, such as improvements to buildings, facilities, or purchasing and installing equipment. Around £400k has already been awarded in rounds one and two.

Download the guidance for full information about how to apply and contact us at communitygrants@harborough.gov.uk to talk through your project.

Promoting the funding locally and deciding on priorities for projects

There is a case study below about how Foxton Parish Council ran their process to encourage different grant applications and prioritised what they wanted to support. Because there had been a transparent and accessible process, the Cabinet Sub Committee Grants was happy to award funding to the single project that the parish had chosen.

Nearly £280k awarded in Community Grant round two

The funding will be used for a variety of projects, including building improvements (village halls, church halls, scout huts, and community pavilion), sports and recreation enhancements (tennis courts, bowling club lighting, and playground equipment), infrastructure upgrades (footpaths, street lighting, and security fencing), and safety measures (floodlights and speed indicator signs).

We have other applications in the pipeline for rounds three and four. Some of the area allocations are spent, but please tell us about your project ideas, as we may have other suggestions for you or we can feed your needs into future developments.  Contact Claire and Serretta on communitygrants@harborough.gov.uk.

Last call for April grants surgeries!

Surgeries give people the chance to talk to a grants officer face-to-face and get advice about what will and won't be funded and how to structure the application for the best chance of success.

The surgery dates and locations are:

• 3 April 13.00-16.00 at Churchgate Community Centre, Lutterworth
• 4 April 9.30-12.30 at The Council Chamber, The Symington Building, Market Harborough

People can come to any of the dates that suit them, and can also book an appointment to talk about about section 106 funding.

Please book in advance for a slot to help us manage the sessions and so that you don't need to wait.

New Round Opens for Environmental Grant

• Reduce the carbon footprint of the community
• Reduce the waste produced in the community: communities striving to reduce the amount of waste produced within their boundaries, fostering a culture of responsible waste management.
• Create, or protect and enhance, biodiversity or environmental assets such as green spaces and waterways: initiatives focused on creating, protecting, and enhancing biodiversity, as well as safeguarding environmental assets such as green spaces and waterways.
• Educate and/or raise awareness of climate change that will result in one of the above outcomes.

Please see the guidance document for full information.

Organisations are encouraged to discuss their project with the Grants Officers in advance of their application by contacting communitygrants@harborough.gov.uk

Youth Council report from second meeting

We had another successful Youth Council meeting held at Lutterworth College on Thursday 27 February with a great turn out of around 19 young people.

Focus on the environment and climate change

They talked about issues such as:

We will look at working with members and other young people to develop a Youth Council vision and action plan that can influence others and inform specific projects. Alongside this we will develop a learning programme so that young people can increase their skills and knowledge.

Structuring the Youth Council

We looked at how the young people would like to structure their Youth Council, and they were really engaged in thinking about the best way to organise the meetings to suit as many young people as possible. They considered the time, location and frequency of their meetings, whether they’d like to introduce roles such as Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary and whether they’d like subgroups to focus on different subject areas and projects. We will pick this up in future meetings to work with young people to implement a structure that meets people's different needs.

Upcoming Youth Council meetings

• Thursday 3 April 2025 in Market Harborough  where we will look at skills and opportunities for young people the district with Economic Development Manager, Jamie To, another area of interest the young people identified at the first Youth Council meeting.  It will also coordinate a Harborough Youth Council response to the National Youth Strategy consultation.

• Monday 28 April 2025 in Lutterworth (to be confirmed) where our Strategic Planning team will come and talk to young people about the Local Plan and ask for their views on how they would like the district to develop.

• Meetings are 5.30pm-7.30pm.

Join the Youth Council!

Harborough District Local Plan consultation

The community engagement team is helping out at the Local Plan consultation events. The Draft Local Plan is the long-term plan to guide development within the district to 2041.  It sets out a strategy for the amount, location and design of new built development (such as homes, schools, employment, retail). It guides protection of the countryside, important green spaces and our unique built and natural heritage from inappropriate development, as well as improving the natural environment and tackling climate change.

Community spotlight: sharing your stories and inspiration

This section shares successes and good practice across the district to inspire others. 

These sections not only tell community stories, but also provide insight and advice for others who are doing, or thinking of doing the same.

If you would like to feature, you can complete this form or contact us by email.

Foxton Parish Council: Community Grant process

The £1m Community Grant Fund has allocated an amount to each town or parish council or parish meeting and all applications must have the support of their council or meeting.

This means that the Councils/Meetings play a vital part in spreading the word about the grant to groups within their parish and liaising with groups to discuss any potential projects they may wish to put forward. 

We spoke to Foxton Parish Council who have recently conducted consultations in their parish to find out more about their approach and any learning along the way. The project that they put forward for funding to the Cabinet Sub Committee Grants on 18 March 2025 was to purchase a new surface for overlay onto two existing asphalt tennis courts as a multi-sport, all-weather facility, which be accessible to a wider range of people and increase the types of activities undertaken.

Could you describe how you made not-for-profit organisations in your parish aware of the Community Grant?

We posted the information about the grant on local media, asking groups that were interested to let the council know. It was made an agenda item and emailed out to groups we knew of. We left over a month for people to make applications to the council and to contact me for advice on the process. 

How effective did you find this?

We had four applications submitted to the council asking for their support. We had very differing applications and found it to be effective.

Is there anything you would do differently next time or any tips you would give to other PCs?

We have since had a few small groups asking for grant funding from the parish council that could have made use of the grant. However, the council would have still weighed these up and likely would have come to the same conclusion. Therefore, it doesn't change the outcome but hopefully we could get the information out further to those groups and leave a longer consultation and advertisement period.  We would perhaps suggest holding a meeting dedicated to it or leafleting locally. 

What approach did the parish council take to review and prioritise these different projects? Did you find this effective?

The council discussed the merits of each application, with specific consideration weighted on the number of Foxton residents the projects would benefit. Of the applications submitted, the council chose to commit the whole allocation to one particular project, as it was felt it would be the most beneficial to the community of Foxton.

Whilst the other projects were all good ideas, it was felt that the need was not as great and the impact would not be felt by as wide a community. The council weighed up the benefit to the community and concluded that proposing the chosen project would be the best course of action for both Foxton residents and nearby communities. 

Are there any other tips or guidance you would give to other Parish Councils?

Keep an eye out for information about future funding as it comes out and be ready to make an application.

Community Awards - Jemma Redden

Volunteer of the Year aged 19-59 winner

As someone living with MS (multiple sclerosis), walking became a vital part of managing my health, and I knew other women could benefit too. I wanted to create a space that felt safe, friendly, and inclusive, where women of all ages and backgrounds could come together, walk at their own pace and enjoy the social side too.

How did you set about attracting and retaining members?

I launched the group on Facebook and started inviting women I knew locally, including those I’d met through community events and walks. I kept the tone welcoming and inclusive from day one, making sure there were no fitness expectations, just an invitation to turn up and be part of something positive. I posted regular updates, photos from our walks, and highlighted members’ experiences, which helped build trust and a sense of belonging. Now, with over 650 members, it’s become a supportive and self-sustaining community.

What do you think members want and gain from being involved in the group?

The group offers more than just walking, it’s a source of connection, confidence, and community. Many members have told me that WOW has helped them get out of the house, meet new people or feel like they’re doing something for themselves again. It meets a real need for low-pressure social interaction and movement. Some come to improve their fitness, some for their mental health and many just want to feel part of something. It’s become a safe, uplifting space where women can show up as they are.

Do you have other volunteers helping you? If so, how does that work and how did you find them?

Yes, over time a few members naturally stepped into informal volunteer roles - helping to lead walks, welcoming new members or sharing updates in the group. It happened organically as people got more involved and wanted to give back. I’ve found that, when you build a strong community, people want to help it grow. There’s a real sense of shared ownership and pride in what we’ve created.

What are the challenges voluntary-run organisations like yours face?

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about setting up or leading a group – both in general and in relation to worries they might have about the commitment?

Start small and focus on connection first. You don’t have to do everything perfectly or have all the answers, people respond to authenticity. It’s okay to grow slowly and let the community shape itself over time. Share the load when you can and be kind to yourself if things don’t go to plan. The most important thing is to create a space that feels safe and welcoming. The commitment can feel big at times, but the rewards make it more than worth it.

What motivates you to get involved in all your volunteering activities?

Living with MS gave me a deep sense of purpose - I can’t control everything, but I can choose to use my time and energy to make a positive impact. I’ve always been driven by connection, and volunteering gives me a way to channel that into something meaningful. Helping others helps me too - it reminds me I’m not alone, and that even small efforts can ripple out in powerful ways.

What is the most rewarding part?

Seeing women who joined nervously on their first walk grow in confidence, friendships forming, and messages from people saying, “This group changed my life.” Those moments make it all worthwhile. It’s the smiles, the shared stories, the sense of belonging. It’s the magic that happens when people come together with kindness and purpose.

What has been a stand-out moment for you in recent years?

There have been so many, but one that stands out is the day we held our first festive walk and photoshoot - everyone showed up in Christmas jumpers, antlers, even tinsel-wrapped dogs! It felt like a true celebration of how far the group had come in less than a year. Another unforgettable moment was being named Volunteer of the Year in the Harborough District Council Community Awards - a complete surprise and an emotional reminder that what we’re doing matters.

Working in partnership

Free Energy Advice drop-in session for unpaid adult carers in your community from VASL Support for Carers

The Harborough District Counci community engagement team is always looking for ways to bring groups together in the Harborough district as groups often tell that there are local residents that they find it harder to connect with. Running events in partnership with other groups is one way to get in touch with different residents.

If you are part of a group that would like to link more with other groups, contact us, we may be able to share information about your service.

The service is funded by the Energy Saving Trust as part of the ‘Carers Warm and Well Together’ project. The project aims to reach out and offer support and help in the following areas:

• Understanding energy tariffs

• Liaising with energy suppliers

• Billing concerns

• Read and submit meter readings

• Advice on implementing affordable home energy-saving measures.

Benefits of receiving this service include helping a household to be more energy efficient around the home, managing debt and reducing stress.

If this service is something that you or another local group would be interested in, and you want to find out more about the project or book Wendy to come to your group, event or drop-in please email energy@vasl.org.uk or call 01858 451703.

Tiny Forests in the Harborough District

Earthwatch is currently running a project called Tiny Forests in the Harborough district, with support from Harborough District Council and funding through Leicestershire County Council.  A Tiny Forest is a dense and fast-growing woodland made up of 600 native trees, planted in an area the size of a tennis court.

There will be ongoing community activity around the Tiny Forests that groups are encouraged to get involved with. For more information you can email tinyforest@earthwatch.org.uk to get involved in follow up as the sites develop, including to become a tree keeper volunteer.

Funding and resources from other organisations

This section contains a selection of grants outside HDC that community groups can apply for.

While HDC provides community grants and other grants, groups often need to find further funding to complete projects. Here are some suggestions of other funders that have come across our radar this month that groups may be able to apply to. With all grants, check the small print for exclusions such as types of organisations and annual turnover to ensure that you're eligible.

Grants for environmental projects

As our Environmental Grant is currently open, there are some other options below for funding for environmental projects.

Access/Crowdfunder - Energy Efficiency Sharematch

This could include installation of new on-site energy/heating generation measures (e.g. solar panels, heat pumps) or new energy efficiency measures in a building (e.g. insulation, LED lighting, double glazing, draft-proofing, improved doors) or other aspects such as changes to more energy efficient equipment, transport upgrades.

Aviva Community Fund – Climate Action

This is another fund that supports groups fundraising by providing match funding to support fundraising campaigns. One of their objectives is Promoting healthy, thriving communities by preventing, preparing for and protecting against the impacts of climate change. 

Veolia Environmental Trust

Stobart Sustainability Fund 

The Stobart Sustainability Fund is aimed at supporting community-led sustainability projects. These may include projects that help them to transform their local community through tackling climate change, reducing carbon emissions or protecting and enhanc the environment.

Other funders for environmental projects

There may also be other funders that support capital projects that will fund environmental improvements, see our previous newsletters for some suggestions.

Other funding

Leicestershire and Rutland Making Local Life Better Fund

Open until 19 May 2025, the Making Local Life Better Fund supports local community groups in Leicestershire and Rutland, particularly smaller groups, who improve the lives of local people, particularly who are vulnerable, under-represented or disadvantaged. Grants are between £1,000 and £3,000. The fund can cover costs that can be difficult to find funding for elsewhere such as core costs, staffing, training and skills development, rent, hire, premises cost, volunteer expenses, and some equipment and materials (generally smaller items).

There is a further round this year open between June and December.

McCarthy Stone - Creating Connections for over 65s

Grants of up to £7,500 are available to charities and community groups that are helping to reduce loneliness and isolation for the over 65’s. This can be one-to-one or group activity, and they will also support community transport bringing together older people. It's open 1-29 August. Please get in touch if you would like support and connections in putting together a project and/or a link with our health and wellbeing team or other groups.

Getting further support

VAL Volunteering Network and Learn Event in Lutterworth | Thursday 10 April 1-3pm

Note that this has been moved from the previous date.

Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) runs quarterly Network and Learn Events for Volunteer Managers in Leicestershire, looking at volunteer recruitment, management and retention. Harborough District Network & Learn will focus on volunteering.

Harborough District Council will attend to talk about how our Community Grants scheme can help volunteers with capital items for their volunteering, VAL will be sharing tips on creating engaging volunteering opportunities, and VASL will be sharing their volunteer recruitment and retention best practice.

VAL will also be promoting the new VAL Volunteering website, which is free to use and helps connect volunteer involving organisations with potential volunteers. Organisations can add their opportunities to this website and be available for members of the public to view and apply online.

There is a VAL newsletter that goes out monthly, with various local updates, which will give you information about VAL's events in Harborough, plus events in other parts of Leicester and Leicestershire that Harborough groups can attend.

Previous newsletters

See previous editions of our newsletter for good practice resources and funding suggestions.

Get in touch

Let us know what you're doing! We welcome information that is relevant to community action and voluntary and community groups

communities@harborough.gov.uk | communitygrants@harborough.uk youthvoice@harborough.gov.uk

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