Ipswich Borough Council’s Executive will consider proposals for a new Community Chest Fund at its meeting next week, Tuesday 10 June.
A report to Executive presents recommendations to establish a £75,000 annual Community Chest Fund to provide small grants to local groups.
This initiative complements the existing Cash Grant Fund available to support voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations to deliver multi-year projects that align with the Council’s strategic priorities and enhance life in Ipswich neighbourhoods.
The Community Chest funding is designed to support more small-scale, community-based projects and events. It will provide a mechanism for backing both new and ongoing initiatives, enable swift allocation of resources from the fund to meet emerging local needs, foster trust and strengthen relationships between the Council, councillors and local communities.
The proposed funding model includes three tiers:
Ward Grants of £1,000 per ward, to be allocated by ward councillors to support small, local projects and events in their areas.
Awards under £100 as Micro Grants for neighbourhood activities and start-up ideas, especially for residents and young people without access to formal funding channels.
Community Chest Grants of up to £5,000, available to constituted voluntary and community organisations to address specific opportunities or challenges in Ipswich neighbourhoods.
This simplifies access to appropriate funding for small organisations and projects. By allowing funds to be allocated proactively based on local needs and opportunities, they can then be awarded swiftly to applicants best placed to deliver change, rather than through rigid processes and limited application windows.
It expands eligibility to include both constituted and non-constituted groups, whether existing or new, encouraging grassroots participation and inspiring further community engagement. The approach builds on the success of previous initiatives such as the Make a Difference funds, so that councillors can address ward-specific needs or combine resources across wards for broader impact.
Councillor John Cook, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities and Sport, says:
"We understand the positive difference that local charities and community groups make to Ipswich. Even in tough times, we're determined to help local people by helping to fund projects that have a positive impact on their own town and community.
“With the £75,000 annually available in these Community Chest grants, people and groups can work with their ward councillors and Council officers to access funding for projects that matter to them.
“The Council will provide specialist support to established charities, voluntary organisations, small groups, and individuals to help neighbourhood improvement projects come to fruition.”
Full details of the report to Executive for agreement can be found at: Agenda for Executive on Tuesday 10th June 2025, 6.00 pm | Democracy Online | Ipswich Borough Council