In 2023, we launched our Community Small Grants Programme, providing a more transparent, accessible and equitable approach to our local giving.
We allocated £10,000 and opened for applications from any grass-roots community organisation within our local area, adopting a simple application process, offering grants of £100 to £500.
In the first application round, we funded nine local organisations for initiatives ranging from litter picks to hot meals for older people to mental wellbeing sessions. Over the course of the year, we ran two more application rounds, providing grants to a further thirteen local community organisations.
/ April – May 2023: Our grants scheme donated a total of £4,277.80 to the following projects
Kam's Corner CIC / Huddersfield Windrush 75th Anniversary Programme
Almondbury Action / Litter Picking Equipment
Gwennie's Getaways / Memory Café
Chestnut Centre / Growing Focal
ST Barts Community church cafe / Community church café and warm space
Food Bank at Full Life Church / Food Bank
Pride in Linthwaite / Family Festival (one day)
Talkthru Office / Office Chair
Rastrick St. John's Scout Group / Navigation Skills
“Thank you, Dark Woods, for enabling us to buy new kitchen equipment to help us serve more than 100 people each week with hot wholesome food.” - St Bartholomew's Community Church Café
/ June – September 2024 : Our grants scheme donated a total of £2,783.99 to the following projects
Colne Valley Help / Food Share
Polish Scouting Association / Litter pick, Crafting and Bird Feeders
Eden's Forest / Fancy a brew?
The Salvation Army Church / The Heads Up Choir (Singing with dementia)
Shared Goods Charity / New underwear & socks
Friends of Highbury / Highbury Library project
Friends of Slaithwaite Spa / Bulb Planting
“It allowed us to buy better quality litter pick tools which will reduce the amount of litter pickers we throw away and allow us to continue to improve our village environment” Almondbury Action / Litter Picking Equipment
/ October - November 2023 (Winter Theme) : Our grants scheme donated a total of £2,528.80 to the following projects
Linthwaite Methodist Church / Luncheon Club
Cowcliffe Community Recreation Area / Cowcliffe Community Garden
Marsden Resilience / Food Voucher Scheme
Almondbury Action / HI Vis Vests
Linthwaite Methodist Church / Welcome Warm Space
Ark Church / Gift Bags for Community Christmas Lunch 2023 #
“The project gave the volunteers a boost and encouraged more work to be done in the park. Members of the public have already commented on the improvements being done. On Saturday, it was noticed that the shoots are already appearing.” Friends of Slaithwaite Spa / Bulb Planting
If you would like to apply for a grant in 2024 you can read more here.
