A report is being presented to Executive next week (Tuesday 14 July) sharing how community groups and residents across Ipswich are benefitting from a funding programme, designed to support local ideas and tackle issues that matter most to neighbourhoods.
Ipswich Borough Council’s Community Chest fund launched in October 2025 and provides flexible financial support to voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations. The fund helps groups deliver projects that contribute to the Council’s Proud of Ipswich Corporate Strategy aimed at enhancing the town as a place to live.
A total of £75,000 has been allocated to the scheme, including funding for councillors to support projects in their wards, larger Community Chest grants of up to £5,000, and small micro-grants to encourage grassroots activity.
In its first partial year, the fund has already supported a wide range of local initiatives.
- 13 local projects received ward funding, with £6,830 awarded
- Funding has supported projects to reduce isolation among older residents, community events, youth-focused initiatives and environmental improvements such as alleyway clean-ups
- A £5,000 Community Chest grant was awarded to the Royal Bengal Sports Club & Association to support youth participation in sport, improve community cohesion and reduce anti-social behaviour
Further funding has been earmarked to address local priorities, including tackling social isolation in the north-west and north-east areas of Ipswich.
Future funding rounds will focus on key themes identified by councillors and communities, including:
- Preventing fly tipping
- Supporting young people into employment
- Tackling anti-social behaviour
Councillor George Lankester, Portfolio Holder for Communities said: “It’s great to see how Ipswich Borough Council is making a real difference across Ipswich, supporting the charities and community groups at the heart of our town.
“We’re empowering more local organisations and residents to deliver projects that matter to them, while giving councillors the flexibility to respond to emerging needs in their wards.
“We’re proud to be working alongside so many organisations to build and maintain pride in Ipswich.”