Applications opened on Monday 11 May 2026 and close on at 23:59 on Sunday 1 November 2026.
Staffordshire County Councillors have funding available to support a huge range of community activities, and community groups can submit new applications each year.
Each county councillor has up to £2,500 to allocate. This can be spent in smaller amounts and there is no set minimum. County councillors are also able to jointly fund projects which work across their local areas, or even to fund projects working district wide or countywide.
What can the fund be used for?
Community projects that support us to look after ourselves
For example:
- Projects which will support and enhance personal physical health.
- Projects which will support the improvement of wellbeing, resilience and independence.
- Projects that will support the healthy lifestyles.
Community projects that focus on looking after those around us
For example:
- Projects to connect people in communities to support, or to each other.
- Projects to give children and young people the best start in life, and the chance to achieve their potential.
- Projects which will support those who need additional help.
- Projects that promote independence, self-care and reablement.
Community projects that focus on looking after your place
For example:
- Projects which will enhance the places where we live.
- Projects which will further develop our community spaces.
- Projects that will bring people together to increase community spirit.
Community projects supporting cultural activities in your local area
For example:
- Projects which provide accessible and inclusive cultural activity.
- Projects which support local artists and creators.
- Projects that will bring people together to promote local pride in culture and heritage.
Retrospective applications relating to Staffordshire Day activities that meet the eligibility criteria of the Community Fund, will be accepted but must be submitted by 23:59 on 30 June 2026. No other type of applications will be accepted retrospectively.
Applying for funding
To apply for funding, you must first have already communicated with the county councillor(s) you are seeking funding from. You will not be able to proceed with a funding application otherwise. Some county councillors may prefer to receive a few applications before responding to them, so you may wish to confirm the timescales when discussing with them.
The funding application form is hosted on our website and your application must be submitted online via that form.
The application form requires the applicant to outline the nature of the project, who it will help, and give information about the applying organisation or group.
Please note – by submitting a funding application you will be confirming that you accept the council’s funding conditions as set out in this guide and the application form at the time of application. Organisations not accepting these at the time of applying will not be eligible for funding support. The consequences of not adhering to these rules could be that the council requires the funding to be returned, and / or being barred from accessing the funding in future.
We expect you to spend funds by 20 March 2027 unless otherwise agreed in writing between the county council and applicants.
Applications for the 2026 Community Fund will open on Monday 11 May 2026 and close on at 23:59 on Sunday 1 November 2026.