More than £450,000 in grant funding has been awarded to community groups across Chesterfield to help them deliver projects aimed at building a more resilient and healthier borough. The funding is part of the Community Grants Fund scheme launched by Chesterfield Borough Council in 2023, which supports initiatives that improve the lives of local residents.
In the latest round, £142,910.98 was distributed among 26 community and voluntary groups. Since the scheme’s inception, 102 organisations have received a total of £454,788.59. These grants are helping tackle food poverty, reduce social isolation, and assist people in returning to employment, while also supporting environmental sustainability through greener community initiatives.
Among the funded organisations is the Loundsley Green Community Trust, which plans to install solar panels and battery storage to cut its carbon footprint and reduce energy costs. This will enable the centre to continue supporting the community while keeping operating costs low for other local groups.
Paul Davies, secretary of the trust, highlighted the importance of these environmental upgrades, stating that the new infrastructure will reduce energy imports and benefit multiple community projects that use the centre.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, expressed her appreciation for the work of local voluntary organisations. She noted that the grants have already empowered many groups to make a real difference and looks forward to seeing future projects take shape.
Though applications for the current round of funding are closed, eligible community groups will be able to apply again from the end of September 2025. The grant scheme is funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Portion, with the council securing an additional £1.1 million from the UKSPF to fund projects until March 2026.
