£1 million milestone in sight as Mid Sussex District Council celebrates 10 years of supporting community projects
- 13/02/2026
Mid Sussex District Council is marking a decade of community grant funding for important local projects.
Since 2015, the Council has awarded £887,910 to projects across Mid Sussex. Subject to the Council’s usual approval processes, further community grant funding is planned for 2026-27, with a total investment in community projects projected to exceed £1 million since the grants first started.
Each initiative and activity which receives funding has been reviewed on its own merits to consider its social value and community impact. Grant support has been given to a range of projects for young people and families; recreation and sports; nature and sustainability; wellbeing groups and resident associations.
Community focused projects have supported a wide range of activities delivered by local groups, helping to improve access to sport, recreation, wellbeing and social opportunities for Mid Sussex residents.
Over £180,000 has been granted to projects like Burgess Hill charity Befriended’s monthly tea parties and choir, combating loneliness and isolation in older people, and Say Aphasia’s arts activity sessions, supporting wellbeing and communication for people living with aphasia.
Youth support has been a key focus, with over 72 projects providing activities, education, and training opportunities for young people. This has included funding for South Coast Skate Club CIC to run 25 free skateboard lessons at Burgess Hill skatepark, expansion of a school sports leadership programme through Mid Sussex Active, and events hosted by Social Innovation 4 All in 10 local secondary schools, engaging over 500 children in ecological and environmental activities.
During the Covid pandemic, the Council changed the focus of its community grants programme by providing £71,000 in dedicated funding to help local people impacted by the virus.
By supporting community projects, Mid Sussex District Council is committed to building thriving, healthy, and sustainable neighbourhoods where residents directly benefit. Working closely with local organisations and community groups, it ensures grant funding reaches projects that matter most to residents.
Councillor Anne-Marie Cooke, Cabinet Member for Communities and Communications said “Over the past ten years, we’ve been able to support hundreds of local organisations to develop their activities and services, and together, we’ve benefitted thousands of lives across our district. We’re proud to continue this support again this year.
“It’s really inspiring to see the impact of our community grant funding, which enables incredible, local projects that provide real, tangible benefits to local people.
“We encourage more community groups to consider applying in the next round, which opens on 17th March.”
Applications for funds can be made by Not for Profit (NFP) groups, registered charities and Community Interest Companies (CICs), but not individuals. Application information can be found at: www.midsussex.gov.uk/business-licensing/community-grants/
How much can you apply for?
Community groups can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to support projects that benefit Mid Sussex residents. Please contact the Communities team at the Council to discuss your application on communities@midsussex.gov.uk
Who can apply?
You can apply if:
- Your project will directly benefit residents of Mid Sussex
- You are properly formed with a governing document and a bank account
- Your organisation’s services are open to all, with an equal opportunities policy
- Your project meets at least one of the Council’s priority area
The community grants programme runs across three funding windows this year. Applications for the next round open on 17th March and close on 18th May 2026, with decisions expected at the May Cabinet meeting. For further details, visit Community Grants - Mid Sussex District Council
ENDS