Financial boost for community groups helping to address the impact of the cost of living crisis in Mid Sussex

PR2023028 - 05/12/2023

Mid Sussex District Council has opened the next round of applications for its community grants programme. Local groups can apply for grants of up to £5,000 for projects that will benefit residents across the district.  

The Council recently extended the criteria of the programme to focus on grants that address the impact of the cost of living crisis, poverty and climate change. The new criteria includes consideration of how a project contributes to the delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Councillor Alison Bennett, Chairman of the Cabinet Grants Panel and Deputy Leader of Mid Sussex District Council, said: "Our district is full of local organisations and charities that are all making a difference in our communities and the programme is designed to celebrate and support these groups. 

“I am delighted that we have extended the criteria to ensure that projects contribute to the delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We want to encourage groups to be creative in supporting sustainability goals and ensure that funding is actively benefiting our communities. I urge all local organisations to take a look at the new criteria and get in touch if they are thinking about applying.” 

The Council has already included the UN Sustainable Development Goals in its District Plan and Sustainable Economy Strategy. There are 17 goals which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognise that ending poverty and other deprivations must go together with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve oceans and forests. 

Applications are currently open and close on 2 January 2024. Community groups can apply on the Council’s website and email communities@midsussex.gov.uk with any questions.  

In October, grants totalling more than £22,000 were awarded to groups including the Haywards Heath Town District Girl Guides, Adastra Tennis Club, Fairer World Lindfield, and Mid Sussex Voluntary Action.  

The Girl Guides will be using the funds to subsidise the costs of additional activities so all can attend without additional financial burden, and Mid Sussex Voluntary Action will use the grant for events and activities for local families during holidays. 

For more information about previous grants that have been awarded and details of how to apply, please visit the Mid Sussex District Council website and search ‘Community Grants’.