Swale — June 3, 2026 — Local groups and organisations in Swale can now apply for funding through the Swale Borough Council Member Grant Scheme, with £47,000 available to support small-scale community projects.
Each of Swale’s 47 councillors has £1,000 to allocate to projects that benefit residents in areas such as culture, sport, recreation, health, environment, heritage, community safety, crime reduction, and education. The scheme also supports voluntary and community groups tackling challenges linked to the cost of living.
Last year, more than 200 grants were awarded, funding initiatives ranging from community kitchens and scout climbing walls to public defibrillators, therapeutic art supplies, and local carnivals. Councillors also supported events such as dementia cafés, pride celebrations, archaeological roadshows, and Christmas lunches for people experiencing loneliness.
Cllr Hannah Perkin, chair of the Housing, Health and Communities Committee, said: “We are proud to have supported so many incredible projects over the year, contributing towards annual events like carnivals, improving community hubs, and helping Swale’s amazing charity initiatives. We are now reopening our member grants, so if you have an idea for a project or event and need financial support, get in touch with your local councillor.”
The application process requires applicants to first discuss their project with a councillor, then complete and submit the relevant form for approval. Funding can come from one or more councillors, meaning projects may be fully or partially supported.
