Chichester District Council grant programme

What can you apply for?

The council has recently reviewed the grants programme. Three updated priorities have been set for funding for the 2025/26 financial year. The council is also pleased to have agreed to increase the total pot available to help local groups and organisations to make a big difference in local communities. The total pot for the year is £350,000.

With grants of up to £25,000 available, we anticipate that there will be a high level of interest in this funding. Please be aware that applications must be from eligible organisations delivering projects or services meeting one of the priorities.

Economy - To support projects which bring forward inward investment
To support viable start-up and existing SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) to implement 'growth' projects which require:
- relocation and expansion into larger premises within the district
- occupation of long-term vacant commercial premise
- significant investment to develop/grow market share
Improving places and spaces - Improvements to publicly owned space or built assets that enhance the wellbeing of local residents, or publicly accessible spaces that improve the habitats of the district's wildlife
Stronger communities - Funding for established voluntary services delivering projects supporting vulnerable people who have been most impacted by current social and economic pressures.

Your Funding Adviser will be able to talk you through these priorities and we ask anyone interested in the programme to get in touch with us at an early stage. To get in touch please complete the enquiry form.

Programme criteria

Under this programme, grants cannot be sought retrospectively for projects that have already started (or completed). You must wait for written confirmation of the decision on your application and complete the grant offer agreement, before undertaking any associated works. The programme can only fund 50% of a total project cost.

In addition to the three priorities for funding, there are seven 'principles' that we look for to help us identify which projects are appropriate for financial support. These funding principles are used in assessing bids and are listed below and are also set out in the available Priorities and Principles of Funding document.

All applicants should therefore consider how your project may be addressing the following points:

Will the project increase participation or employment?
Does the project demonstrate working with others?
Does the project have clear objectives and outcomes?
Does the project demonstrate value for money?
Is there evidence that the project is needed or addresses a recognised gap in provision?
How have you designed the project to minimise its climate impact?
Is the project ready for implementation?

If you are interested in applying to this scheme, please contact a Funding Adviser via the enquiry form. The Funding Advisor will be able to talk to you about the new programme. Please check the priorities and eligibility guidance as projects which might have been funded under the previous programme may no longer eligible.

Your Funding Adviser will be able to talk you through the 'principles'. We ask every applicant to explain how your project has been designed to minimise its climate impact. The Climate Change Guidance document has been provided to help you think about how to respond to this.

We expect that strong grant applications will demonstrate that the project proposals are based on sound research and have clear evidence to show why they are needed. The guidance Evidencing Need document includes links to helpful resources when you are researching.

Eligibility Guidance notes 2025 (Word doc, 55 KB)

Priorities and Principles guidance notes 2025 (Word doc, 60 KB)

Climate change guidance 2025 (Word doc, 69 KB)

Evidencing need 2025 (Word doc, 66 KB)

Fast Track grant applications

This year the Fast Track grant request limit has been increased to £2,000. You can apply for less than £2,001 at any time under the 'Fast Track' small grant process. Please be aware that, as the guidance explains, we cannot fund things that have already happened so although we aim for this process to be as quick as possible, applicants are advised to apply at least six weeks before your target timescale.

Fast track Grant Guidance 2025 (Word doc, 75 KB)

Fast track Grant Application form 2025 (Word doc, 129 KB)

Over £2000 grants

For grants requesting more than £2,000, the panel will consider applications on a quarterly basis. The budget is not fixed for each panel and we are aware that rushed bids tend to be weaker. Please speak to a funding adviser via the enquiry form if you have a question about the timing of your application.

The closing dates for bids and the panel when they will be considered are:

Closing date for applications by 5pm	Panel meeting date
Friday 16 May 2025	Wednesday 25 June 2025
Friday 29 August 2025	Wednesday 22 October 2025
Friday 5 December 2025	Wednesday 28 January 2026
Friday 6 February 2026	Wednesday 25 March 2026

As part of the decision process, recommended decisions of the panel are available on the council's website after the meeting. However, as this is not a final decision, there is a further 7 working day call-in period. All grant offers are also subject to signing an agreement which explains any conditions, applicants should wait for formal confirmation of the decision and not act on any earlier information. We aim to notify you as soon as possible of the outcome.

Over £2000 guidance 2025 (Word doc, 141 KB)

Over £2000 application form 2025 (Word doc, 137 KB)

How to apply

If you are interested in applying to the programme, you must contact a Funding Adviser. The adviser will talk you through eligibility, completing the form and likely timescales. There are several advisers specialising in supporting different types of project. We ask you to complete the enquiry form so we can put you in touch with the most relevant adviser.

The form asks you to include a brief outline of your project and target timescales.

With the enhanced pot available this year, the council is hoping to support projects that will make a big difference to places and communities in the district. We expect larger grants to be in proportion to the scale of the project and the intended benefit.

Chichester District Grants Programme enquiry form

If your group, organisation or business is interested in applying for support and you think that you have a project that meets the criteria, please contact us.

We can give you personal advice about eligibility, completing the application form and submission dates. There are several advisers specialising in supporting different types of project, the enquiry form therefore asks you to give us a brief introduction to your organisation and project idea. Please note this is not an application form, it will just enable the right adviser to contact you.

Make an enquiry about our grants programmes

If you are unable to use the Form, you can call 01243 534864 or email funding@chichester.gov.uk.

Discretionary rate relief

Discretionary rate relief is available to qualifying organisations to reduce liability for non-domestic rates.

For further details please visit Discounts for business rates.

Grants and concessions policy and reports

Chichester District Council has a long history of awarding appropriate and timely financial support to local businesses, community groups and voluntary organisations. We want to continue this, despite increasing financial constraints. The policy sets out why the council provides grants and concessions and our aims and objectives in doing so.

Grants Policy 2025 (Word doc, 103 KB)