Cabinet – 4 February 2026

Community Grant Funding 2026/27

Purpose	For Decision
Classification	Public
Executive Summary	The Council’s Corporate Plan prioritises the delivery of an annual Community Grants scheme to support organisations delivering wide-ranging services to different communities and to meet the needs of vulnerable residents in the district through the award of discretionary revenue and capital grants to support organisations which meet the Council’s objectives. The proposals in this report include total awards of revenue community grants of £201,859 for 2026/27, summarised as: a) Revenue grants of £157,500 to support 28 organisations, of which £72,000 are longer term awards. b) Community Transport scheme grants of £44,359, An allocation of up to £100,000 is available toward capital community grant applications. The proposals in this report include total awards of community capital grants of: c) £97,949 to support 10 projects
Recommendation	As recommended by the Task &Finish Group and Housing and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel that the Cabinet approve: 1. Community grants totalling £157,500 in revenue grants and £97,949 in capital grants, as detailed in Appendix 1, for inclusion in the Medium-Term Financial Plan and proposed budget for 2026/27; 2. The proposals, as detailed in paragraph 19; 3. The Community Transport grants totalling £44,359, as set out in paragraph 25; and 4. A procedural change to award Band A organisations a rolling 3-year award, if agreed by the Task & Finish Group, and for any further procedural changes brought about by LGR to be considered by the Task & Finish Group and agreed through the PFH for Community, Safety and Wellbeing.
Reasons for recommendation	To complete the Community Grants process for 2026/27.
Wards	All
Portfolio Holder	Councillor Dan Poole – Housing and Communities
Strategic Director	Peter Matthew – Strategic Director Housing and Communities
Officer Contact	Ryan Stevens Service Manager Revenues, Benefits and Customer Services 02380 285693    Ryan.stevens@nfdc.gov.uk

Introduction and background

1. The purpose of this report is to consider the recommendations of the Community Grants Task and Finish Group. Community grants are distributed to support groups and organisations located within the district who support our residents and communities.  The Council is committed to supporting organisations through the Community Grants programme, which is a key priority in the Corporate Plan, actively promoting the programme and encouraging new applications.

2. A full review of the Community Grants scheme was undertaken in 2024; however, a further recommended change is proposed.  The Task and Finish Group also received an update on the Community Lottery, including the funding raised for good causes to date, along with the central fund.

3. The Council continues to work in partnership with Hampshire County Council on the provision of two community transport schemes to support vulnerable residents with transport.

Community Grants

4. On 26, 27 and 28 November 2025 the Community Grants Task and Finish Group met to consider the revenue and capital Community Grant applications received for the 2026/27 financial year.  We received an unprecedented 42 revenue applications, 23 being first time applicants (54%), and 24 capital applications, from a range of organisations across the district. The programme was promoted via social media, partner organisations, networking and residents’ email, with the application window being open for two months. 

5. The value of revenue grant applications totalled £504,048 (£277,163 in 2024) and capital grant applications totalled £317,616 (£86,371 in 2024). 

6. All recipients of a community grant are provided with information and communications to promote the award by the Council in any publicity or promotional materials.

Revenue grants – the process

7. From the 2024 grants programme 5 organisations were awarded 3-year grant agreements from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028 as they are key partners who work closely with the Council and support our services and communities.  These organisations are:

Organisation	Grant amount for each year
Community First Wessex	35,000
New Forest Disability Information Service	5,000
The Crossings	10,000
The Handy Trust	10,000
Youth and Families Matter	12,000
Total	67,000

8. The 3-year funding agreement provides financial security and enables longer term planning, with the grants paid annually.  Officers meet regularly with all recipients to review activities, initiatives, objectives and targets.

9. An application was received from New Forest Disability Information Service for additional grant funding.  The Group reviewed the request and when considering the work undertaken, the coverage, and the uniqueness of the support provided to a vulnerable cohort, recommended increasing the grant for years 2 and 3 to £10,000 per year.

10. In accordance with the revised process, applications were scored against a matrix and placed into one of three bands, A, B and C.  The matrix comprised of various categories, including, how the application demonstrated:

· value for money

· a local need

· that it supports the Council’s corporate priorities

· that funding is required

· alternative or additional funding raising activities had been explored

· that it supports Council services and/or priorities

· that it supports the residents of the New Forest

· the area of the district covered

· if the service is duplicated elsewhere

11. Due to the volume of applications, it was not feasible to invite all applicants to interview.  Therefore, those applications scoring low against the matrix criteria, or submitted an incomplete application or which did not meet the eligibility criteria, were placed into Band C and not invited to present their application to the Group.

12. From the 42 applications, 28 were placed in Band B and were invited to the Task and Finish Group to present how their application would meet the needs of, and benefit or support, residents in the district.  Applicants were also asked to explain how their funding request linked to the priorities set out in the Council’s Corporate Plan and their outcomes and key deliverables, with Members asking further questions about their organisation and application.  Advice was also given to applicants on additional and/or alternative funding streams, such as Councillor Engagement grants and Community First Wessex membership.

13. Following the presentations, the Task and Finish Group thoroughly discussed and deliberated the applications.  In formulating a recommendation for each grant request, members considered the agreed criteria, the Council’s Corporate Plan priorities, and the value for money being offered.  Due to the very high number and value of applications the Group had to make difficult decisions and in a number of instances the Group recommended grants of less than the amount being requested so as to support as many groups as possible and to recognise the benefits and work of the individual grant applications.  Consideration was given to organisations submitting their first application, if the service is duplicated elsewhere, the financial position, and the impact and benefits of a grant being awarded. 

14. From the interviews the Group are recommending a grant award to 11 organisation (47% of awards) who have not previously had a community grant award, and further 2 applications did not receive a grant last year, meaning 56% have not received a grant in the last two years.

15. The Group recommendations of each grant application are summarised in Appendix 1, with further details in Appendix 2.

Capital grants – the process

16. In accordance with the new process, applications were scored against a matrix of criteria which comprised of various categories, including, how the application demonstrated:

· value for money

· community benefits

· it supports the Council’s corporate priorities

· if there is community support

· if the project is deliverable

· if the project supports key infrastructure in the community

· if the project will be used by the wider community

· how the project positively supports climate change

17. The Task and Finish group fully discussed and considered the information provided in the applications and the scoring matrix to make their recommendations.  Where the applicant had not secured 50% of the project costs, or exceeded the maximum grant award, as detailed in the guidance provided to applicants, these applications were ineligible and not considered.

18. The Group’s recommendations for each grant application are summarised in Appendix 1, with further details in Appendix 2.

Review of the community grants process

19. On completing the process, the Task and Finish Group undertook a review and recommend the following:

a. To reduce the maximum grant award for revenue grants from £20,000 to £10,000 for Band B

b. To amend the ordering of questions in the Revenue grant application form so that employee details appear with the budget information

c. To continue in person attendance to the Group for revenue grant applications

d. To use the funds raised from the New Forest community lottery general fund to top-up the revenue community grant budget

20. The Group did receive feedback from several applicants who expressed support for the community grants programme as most grant funding is now aimed at specific project work, and not to support the core infrastructure and day-to-day running costs of the organisations, without which project work cannot be achieved.

Community Transport grants

21. The Task and Finish Group also considered community transport grants, which the Council has supported for many years.  There are currently 2 schemes the Council supports in partnership with Hampshire County Council for transportation projects, all funded from the overall annual budget for Community Grants.  After a recent procurement exercise, new contracts were awarded from 1 September 2025 with Community First Wessex administering the two schemes, which are:

· Call and Go – This is a bookable community transport service for anyone whose transport needs are not met by public bus services to go, for example, shopping, to visit a library or to see family and friends.  Drivers will assist with carrying shopping and wheelchair accessible minibuses collect users from their home at a pre-arranged time.  The cost will vary according to the distance travelled. 

Current NFDC funding is £29,998 per year

· Group Hire – This scheme provides affordable wheelchair accessible minibuses to hire for voluntary or charitable organisations for a period of 3 hours to 1 week.  The cost of hire depends on the distance travelled and duration of hire period. 

Current NFDC grant funding is £14,361 per year

22. The total current funding for the two community transport schemes is £44,359, with Hampshire County Council also providing grant funding.  The amounts are to be increased annually by April’s Consumer Price Index (CPI).

23.    The Group reviewed the numbers using the two schemes, with Call and Go and Group Hire recovering following the pandemic.  Call & Go has over 400 regular monthly users, mostly being elderly or with mobility issues, whilst Group Hire has 307 organisations registered and averages 486 passenger trips each month.   

24.    The Group was of the view that NFDC should maintain the same level of funding for the Call and Go and Group Hire service to continue our support our communities, especially those who are vulnerable and in rural areas with limited transport links.

25.   The Group recommend the following:

· Funding for Call & Go for 2026/27 to be £29,997.80

· Funding for Group Hire for 2026/27 to be £14,361.12

· To continue the funding for both schemes in 2027/28 and 2028/29, subject to an annual increase based on April’s CPI.

26.    Following a further officer review the following recommendations were put forward to the Housing & Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel to amend the administration of grants during 2026 for distribution in 2027/28 as follows: 

• Ringfence an annual allocation of up to £120,000 toward revenue funding for Band A organisations, with any residual value available for Band B awards. 

•    Implement a rolling 3-year award to Band A organisations. 

•    Prioritise the award of capital grants to organisations who propose additional, or replacement community play spaces and equipment.

27.    These recommendations were well debated but not all supported by the Panel, although there was agreement to offer a 3-year rolling period, with the opportunity to review any procedural changes with the Task & Finish group during 2026 and to return with any additional recommendations at a later date, which is framed by recommendation 4.

Corporate plan priorities

28.    The contents of this report support the key priorities of the Council’s Corporate Plan by providing community grants to organisations that support and meet the diverse needs of the district’s communities and vulnerable people, and working closely with key partners to help resolve issues, including those associated with cost of living, homelessness, and health and wellbeing, as well as supporting a vibrant arts and culture offer.

Options appraisal

29.    Details of the options and discussions are included in the paragraphs above.

Consultation

30. The Housing and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel at the meeting on 21 January 2026, considered the report and following discussions support the recommendations as detailed in this report. 

Financial and resource implications

31. The proposed recommendations of this report are included in the overall budget allocated to community grants of £350,000, of which £250,000 is allocated to revenue projects, which includes Members Community Engagement Grants of £48,000, and funded via the general fund, and £100,000 to capital projects, funded from general fund reserves. The resources used to administer this programme are maintained within existing resources.

32.    The proposals in this report include total awards of community grants of £299,338, summarised as:

a) Revenue grants of £157,500

b) Capital grants of £97,479

c) The proposed budget for 2026/27 for the Community Transport schemes of £44,359

Legal implications

33.    There are no legal implications arising directly from this report. 

Risk assessment

34.    There are no risk assessments required, however as part of the deliberations consideration is given to the financial stability of the organisation to ensure that grants are only awarded where the organisation can demonstrate longer term financial stability to deliver the services.

Environmental / Climate and nature implications

35.    There are no significant environmental or climate and nature implications arising from this report, although applicants to community grants did have to provide details of their activities to support the Council’s commitment to climate sustainability, such as recycling bikes and making buildings more energy efficient.

Equalities implications

36.    Our Community Grants programme continues to support a wide range of organisations across the district that support, engage and benefit our diverse communities and residents, including those with mental health and disabilities, the elderly and vulnerable households, as well as those that support the LGTBQ+ and Traveller communities. Applicants have to demonstrate through the application form and process how corporate priorities will be met, for example supporting residents with the greatest need.

Crime and disorder implications

37.    There are no crime and disorder implications directly arising from this report. However, several of the organisations proposed to receive grant funding support vulnerable people to sustain accommodation and maximise income, and work with communities and partners to reduce crime.

38.    It is a widely held view that providing support to these groups increases stability and positive behaviours, as well as reducing the likelihood of people falling victim to crime.

Data protection / Information governance / ICT implications

39.    There are no data protection, information governance or ICT implications arising from this report.

Appendices Appendix 1 – Details of grant applications and award recommendations Appendix 2 – Summary of revenue grant recommendations

Background Papers: There are none.

Appendix 1 – Community grant applications                               

A. Summary of Revenue Grants - Band A (3-year funding agreement)

No.	APPLICANT	GRANT AMOUNT
1	Community First Wessex	30,000
2	New Forest Disability Information Service	10,000
3	The Crossings	10,000
4	The Handy Trust	10,000
5	Youth and Families Matter	12,000
Total		72,000

B. Revenue Grants considered by the Task and Finish Group - Band B

No.	APPLICANT	AMOUNT REQUESTED	RECOMMEN-DATION	2025/26 AWARD (INFO ONLY)
1	Aquaphonics	20,000	4,000	N/A
2	ArtfulScribe	5,000	0	N/A
3	Breakout Youth	7,500	3,000	N/A
4	Broadleaf Home Ed Co-Op	20,000	0	N/A
5	Countryside Education Trust	20,000	0	N/A
6	Families Matter	10,000	6,000	5,000
7	First Steps New Forest	8,000	3,000	N/A
8	Fluid Motion Theatre Company	20,000	4,000	N/A
9	Forest Forge	20,000	4,000	7,500
10	Hammersley Homes	20,000	0	3,000
11	HomeStart	9,100	3,000	0
12	Helping Older people	20,000	4,000	10,000
13	New Forest Basics Bank	12,000	6,000	3,500
14	New Forest Bike Project	5,000	3,000	3,000
15	New Forest Heritage Centre	10,000	3,000	0
16	Pennington Action Group	4,200	3,000	N/A
17	Positive Path Foundation	10,000	3,000	0
18	Ringwood Foodbank	6,851	3,000	N/A
19	SPUD	15,000	4,000	7,500
20	St Barbe	12,000	4,000	3,000
21	STARF	15,000	4,000	N/A
22	Step Up Safe Space	4,576	3,000	N/A
23	The Branch	10,000	3,000	4,000
24	The Honeypot Childrens Charity	9,820	4,000	6,000
25	Thorneyhill Community Centre	8,000	3,000	N/A
26	Totton Spiritualist Church	3,000	0	N/A
27	Yellow Door	20,000	4,500	0
28	Youth in Romsey	17,160	4,000	7,500
Total		£199,663	£85,500

(Note: N/A means there was no application received for 2025/26)

C. Revenue Grants not considered by the Group - Band C

ITEM	APPLICANT	AMOUNT REQUESTED
29	15TH New Forest Milford Scout	5,000
30	Aid Ukraine Direct	5,000
31	All Saints Luncheon Club	4,000
32	Burley Charities	3,000
33	Close Combat Martial Arts	20,000
34	Dementia Friendly Hampshire	5,000
35	Lyndhurst Shed	13,500
36	MHA Communities	15,000
37	New Forest Carriage for the Disabled	6,000
38	New Forest for Ukraine	3,000
39	New Forest Mind Body and Spirit	17,441
40	New Forest Wellbeing	8,000
41	Project Manna	24,400
42	Waterside Arts	15,000
	Total	£144,341

D.  Capital Grants considered by the Task and Finish Group

No.	APPLICANT	PROJECT	AMOUNT REQUESTED	RECOMMEN- DATION
1	Bashley Football Club	Disabled toilets	4,050	4,050
2	Blandford Hall	Roof repair	3,325	3,325
3	Boldre Parish Council	Hall refurbishment	7,000	7,000
4	Bramshaw Community Speed Watch	Speed indicator device	3,107	0*
5	Bramshaw Village Hall	Hall refurbishment	2,000	2,000
6	Burley Parish Council	Village enhancements	4,875	0*
7	Cadnam Cricket Club	Changing and shower facilities	16,000	0*
8	Exbury Club	Community playground	25,000	0*
9	Fawley Rugby Club	Green initiatives	25,000	25,000
10	Foxies Future	Access barrier improvements	4,940	0
11	Hulse Hall	Treatment plant	15,000	0
12	Lymington Community Association	Upgrade electrical supply	90,169	0**
13	Lymington Cricket Club	Scoreboard	3,000	0
14	Lymington Croquet Club	Second lawn	17,577	0
15	Lymington Pétanque Club	Lighting	9,000	0*
16	Lyndhurst and District Community Association	Hall refurbishment	11,224	11,224
17	New Milton Men Shed	Building extension	6,000	6,000
18	Ringwood and District Community Association	New community café	25,000	25,000
19	Salvation Army	Media upgrade	5,000	0*
20	SPUD	Accessibility improvements	11,141	0
21	St Barbe Museum	Visual improvements	4,600	4,600
22	Woodgreen Village Hall	New LED lighting	9,750	9,750
23	The Milford Millenium Hall	New flooring	7,358	0*
24	Totton Community Centre	Hall refurbishment	7,500	0
		TOTAL	£317,616	£97,949

* These applications had not secured the minimum 50% funding of the         overall project costs so are ineligible

** This application is for an amount exceeding the £25,000 limit so ineligible

Appendix 2 – Summary of recommendations for revenue grants applications

A. Revenue Grants – Band A                                                   

1	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	New Forest Disability Information Service (NFDIS)	NFDIS provides specialised, free, impartial, and confidential disability related information, advice, and guidance to anyone with a disability who lives or works within the New Forest area.  NFDIS are the only organisation within the district that support and represent disabled clients at benefit tribunals.  NFDIS specialise in providing mobility aids and equipment, and collaborate with community and other organisations to help people maximise their wellbeing and live safely and as independently as possible in their own home.

Request	Recommendation
£15,000	That a grant of £10,000 be given for years 2 and 3.

Reason for decision:

NFDIS is the only organisation of its kind in the district and provides an essential service to the vulnerable in the face of ever-increasing demand and supports the council in many ways, including with the Just Got Home, working from Lymington and Fordingbridge hospital, and Independence Matters projects. The Group acknowledged the great wok of NFDIS in supporting and advocating for vulnerable and disabled residents and the expansion of outreach work. 

B. Revenue Grants - Band B

1	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	Aquaphonics	Aquaponics began as way of ‘companion farming’ where fish and plants grow and nurture each other, providing healthy food in a regenerative and waste-free way.  They have since expanded to also support the community with clothes swap, a repair café, and distribute food waste from supermarkets, as well as a food pantry.

Request

Recommendation

£20,000               That a grant of £4,000 be given

Reason for decision:

The Group recognised the range of work of the organisation in educating and promoting sustainable activities, supporting, local communities, reducing poverty and providing the repair café, food pantry and “cook-ups”. 

2	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	ArtfulScribe	ArtfulScribe is a literature development agency based in Southampton who support emerging and continuing writers to create new work and develop skills through writing workshops, live events and career development opportunities. They work with all ages and levels of ability, collaborate with schools, businesses and organisations, embedding writing into everyday activities through residencies, creative programmes and events.

Request	Recommendation
£5,000	That no grant be given

Reason for decision

The Group acknowledged and supported the work undertaken, but considered that this was not a corporate priority when considering other applications and the budget available, and that funding could be utilised elsewhere to directly support organisations that benefit our residents.

3	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	Breakout Youth	Breakout Youth is the only dedicated LGBTQ+ organisation supporting young people aged 11-25 across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight (IOW). They provide safe spaces to deliver seven weekly youth groups, including in New Milton and Marchwood.

Request	Recommendation
£7,500	That a grant of £3,000 be given

Reason for decision

The recognised the work of Breakout Youth in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, in particular providing 1-2-1 sessions and workshops, support with coping strategies and mental health challenges, and their educational work with schools.

4	APPLICANT		SUMMARY
	Broadleaf Home Ed Co-Op		Broadleaf is a community-led organisation, supporting children, young people and their families through a creative, social and nature-based wellbeing programme. They work directly with families who are not currently accessing school who can find belonging, purpose and connection within a beautiful natural landscape.
Request		Recommendation
£20,000		That no grant be given

Reason for decision

The Group acknowledged and supported the work undertaken, but considered that this was not a corporate priority when considering other applications and the budget available, and that funding could be utilised elsewhere to directly support organisations that benefit our residents.

5	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	Countryside Educational Trust	The Countryside Education Trust (CET) was founded as a means of ensuring access to the countryside to all, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. By connecting people and nature the CET helps children and adults understand, protect and conserve the countryside. The CET uses its skills and knowledge to inspire people to act in the face of the nature and climate crisis. This is achieved through a mix of formal education via work with schools, and informal community-based activities such as clubs, volunteering, and events skills training.

Request	Recommendation
£20,000	That no grant be given

Reason for decision

The Group acknowledged and supported the work undertaken, but considered that this was not a corporate priority when considering other applications and the budget available, the reserves and incoming streams being developed, and that funding could be utilised elsewhere to directly support organisations that benefit our residents.

6	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	Families Matter	Families Matter is based in Hythe which helps families in need in the Waterside area. They support parents through parenting classes and groups for parents and children with special needs, autism and mental health, and through a crisis, i.e. separation, domestic violence, behavioural problems. They work closely with local schools, supporting children and also run groups for people with dementia and their carers and for families with drug and/or alcohol addictions.

Request	Recommendation
£10,000	That a grant of £6,000 be given.

Reason for decision:

The organisation contributes to the Council’s priorities through assisting wellbeing of those in the district, working with and mentoring vulnerable children and young people and parents, and low-income households.  Families Matter work in partnership with other organisations, run parenting courses to those families struggling with their child’s anxiety or extreme angry behaviour, promote healthy relationships, and support elderly people with dementia, and their carers, with monthly groups. 

7	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	First Steps New Forest	First Steps New Forest is a community based registered charity that provides a support network for children, young people and their families from the local settled Gypsy Roma Traveller (GRT) community who across the New Forest

Request	Recommendation
£8,000	That a grant of £3,000 be given

Reason for decision

The Group support the work of First Steps New Forest in working with and supporting the gypsy and traveller community on a variety of matters, often being their first point of call, notably, the “Mental Health Matters” sessions, support with benefit applications, and counselling. 

8	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	Fluid Motion	Fluid Motion Theatre Company is an award-winning arts and health charity that uses creativity to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people, and families in our community, using creative activity as tools for recovery, connection, and growth.

Request	Recommendation
£20,000	That a grant of £4,000 be given

Reason for decision

Fluid Motion support the Councils priority of a vibrant and creative culture, providing an inclusive space and creative programmes for young people, which supports mental health and wellbeing, young mums, and holiday clubs.

9	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	Forest Forge Theatre Company	Forest Forge is theatre that provides creative learning and outreach activities and tours to communities and schools across the New Forest with an emphasis on creative learning and using theatre to tackle wider social issues such as bullying and mental health.  The organisation encourages participation in a variety of activities such as workshops; work experience and targeted outreach projects (e.g. teenagers).

Request	Recommendation
£20,000	That a grant of £4,000 be given.

Reason for decision:

Forest Forge provides creative learning activities across the district and contributes to community cohesion and wellbeing.  It supports local business, supports local artists, and provides experience for young people’s employability and seeks to be fully inclusive by engaging with all communities.  It works in schools, tours a production about mental health, has a youth theatre, and a group for over 55’s and workshops in schools. 

10	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	Hammersley Homes	Hammersley Homes apply a person-centred approach to provide emotional and practical support for people with mental health and aims to provide supported living accommodation for vulnerable adults so that they can live independently.  They provide an outreach programme and aim to keep people out of hospital by providing support in their own home.

Request	Recommendation
£20,000	That no grant be given.

Reason for decision:

The Group acknowledged and supported the work undertaken, but considered that this was not a corporate priority when considering other applications and the budget available, the number of people supported, and that funding could be utilised elsewhere to directly support organisations that benefit our residents.

11	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	HomeStart Hampshire	Homestart Hampshire support families with young children through challenging times, helping them grow in confidence, build resilience and create nurturing home environments. They empower families, promote good health, both mental and physical, of children and their parents, prevent cruelty to, or maltreatment of, children, and seek to relieve sickness, poverty, and need among children and their families.

Request	Recommendation
£9,100	That a grant of £3,000 be given

Reason for decision

The Group recognised the increasing need to support children with mental health issues and the bespoke action plan formulated for families, providing practical and emotional support, as well preventive measures to avoid a future crisis, and plans to expand the service future.

12	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	Helping Older People	Helping Older People provide free support, advocacy, advice and befriending services, including home visits, as well as running two charity shops.

Request	Recommendation
£20,000	That a grant of £4,000 be given.

Reason for decision:

The Group considered the demographics of the district and recognised the work undertaken to support the elderly and expanding their reach across the district, including to reduce isolation, support those with limited mobility or capacity, for example with benefit claims or “home” administration, and working with partners to receive and provide referrals, and that the grant will be used to provide additional support.    

13	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	New Forest Basics Bank	New Forest Basics Bank operate a Basics Bank from Lymington which supports the surrounding areas, including schools and community hubs.

Request	Recommendation
£12,000	That a grant of £6,000 be given.

Reason for decision:

The Group recognised the work of the volunteers and the support given to vulnerable families, especially with the cost of living, and the work New Forest Basics Bank do with schools and supporting the Food Larders in areas of deprivation with regular attendance and providing additional supplies and resources, as well as working collaboratively with partners and providing additional household provisions. 

14	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	New Forest Bike Project (NFBP)	NFBP is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that re-cycles bikes and sells them at reduced rates, benefiting residents by offering an affordable source of bikes and parts, especially to those on a low income, to keep people on the road, fit and healthy, reducing the need for car journeys and the impact on the environment.  It provides opportunities and a place to help those with issues in their lives improve their confidence, self-esteem, practical and social skills.

Request	Recommendation
£5,000	That a grant of £3,000 be given.

Reason for decision:

The Group support the work of this project, especially as part of the sustainability and greener agenda and to encourage recycling and cycling, providing more affordable access to bicycles for households struggling with the cost of transport, as well as providing volunteering opportunities and training to improve confidence and self-esteem of young people. 

15	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	New Forest Heritage Centre	The free entry New Forest Heritage Centre is the only museum dedicated to the social and natural history of the New Forest. Their aim is to inspire visitors to explore and value the New Forest by collecting, conserving, and interpreting collections and by providing educational activities and information to children, young people and adults visiting the Forest and living in the community.  The Centre includes an accredited Museum, Reference Library, which preserves historical artefacts, shop, and Exhibition Gallery.

Request	Recommendation
£10,000	That a grant of £3,000 be given

Reason for decision

The Group were supportive of the work undertaken, including with partners organisations to promote the New Forest, promoting sustainable activities, retaining exhibitions, collections and artefacts for future generations, supporting those with dementia, and providing employment and work experience opportunities.

16	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	Pennington Action Group	Pennington Action Group support the people of Pennington, including the young people, where they run a Youth Club, provide Youth Workers, support the elderly, as well as seeking to make environmental improvements to the village.

Request	Recommendation
£4,200	That a grant of £3,000 be given

Reason for decision

The Group recognised that Pennington is an area of deprivation and the work that Pennington Action Group undertakes to support the community, including weekly youth club, helping with benefit and job applications, cooking classes, education on drugs, smoking, sexual health, and bereavement and working collaboratively with partners, and the plan to expand further with a dedicated Project Worker.

17	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	Positive Path Foundation	Positive Path provides mentoring, support, advocacy and advice to people with mental health issues, to improve wellbeing, skills and confidence and with gaining and maintaining employment.

Request	Recommendation
£10,000	That a grant of £3,000 be given

Reason for decision

The Group acknowledged the hard work of Positive Path and the impact it has on the lives of people that is supports, many having a disability, including autism, and/or are not in employment, education and/or training, along with the work with partner organisations, including schools and colleges, to maximise the benefits with their limited resources.

18	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	Ringwood Foodbank	Ringwood Foodbank support clients in Ringwood, Fordingbridge and surrounding areas. Their objective is the alleviation of poverty through the provision of emergency food and other items and signposting and income maximisation advice

Request	Recommendation
£6,851	That a grant of £3,000 be given

Reason for decision:

The Group recognised the work of the volunteers and the support given to vulnerable families, especially with the cost of living, and the work with schools, and providing additional supplies and resources, as well as working collaboratively with partners with referrals and providing additional household provisions. 

19	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	SPUD	SPUD is an arts and education charity that creates opportunities for people to creatively engage with art, architecture, design, and the environment.  SPUD supports people works with and support various groups including, youth, disabled, autism, LGBTQ+ and dementia.

Request	Recommendation
£15,000	That a grant of £4,000 be given

Reason for decision:

The Group support the work SPUD does with vulnerable groups, which aligns closely with the ‘Culture in Common’ programme that the Council is involved in delivering across the district.  SPUD’s work with residents with dementia, LGTBQ+ and with young people to support their mental wellbeing was noted, as was their outreach programme that builds on the community partnerships, and the support to local artists and businesses.

19	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery	St Barbe is a museum and art gallery providing a cultural hub and educational facilities on the heritage, culture, history, and character of the New Forest.  It is part of FOLIO, and provides learning services for schools and interest groups, including workshops, exhibitions, and curriculum-based activities.  St Barbe also support groups, e.g. an Elderly Programme for “memories” and works with low-income families, e.g. holiday workshops and activities and Food programme.

Request	Recommendation
£12,000	That a grant of £4,000 be given.

Reason for decision:

St Barbe supports NFDC priorities through assisting with the wellbeing of those in the district, as well as attracting visitors.  St Barbe provide a wide range of activities, for all ages, and is a vibrant community hub, working with schools, disabled groups, those suffering with dementia or autism, holiday programmes, and a Young Curator group.  The Group were very supportive of the outreach programmes and the summer camps for children eligible for free school meals. 

20	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	Stronger Together Across Ringwood and Fordingbridge	STARF is a charity providing counselling to children & young people (CYP) and financial advice to families who children go to schools in Ringwood & Fordingbridge

Request	Recommendation
£15,000	That a grant of £4,000 be given.

Reason for decision

Stronger Together Across Ringwood and Fordingbridge work with schools who identify children/families in crisis, with a schools’ hardship worker, they provide counselling services, food for vulnerable children, winter clothes, run an under 1’s club, provide computers for schools, and workshops for families experiencing complex issues to become more resilient, and work with partner organisations.

21	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	Step Up Safe Space	Step Up Safe Space's core mission is to empower the community by providing essential aid with dignity and care, while promoting reuse and recycling for a sustainable future.  The organization focuses on delivering critical and emergency support, including fuel and food bank referrals and facilitating food bank referrals.

Request	Recommendation
£4,576	That a grant of £3,000 be given.

Reason for decision

Step Up Safe Space support households in financial hardship by attending community hubs to distribute essential household items, coordinating the school unform and stationary sets distribution, and support women in refuges, new mums and work with partners, including Basics Bank.  The Group welcomes the plans to expand the service further.

22	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	The Branch	The Branch is a multi-purpose community hub in Fordingbridge, providing an inclusive and accessible affordable café which facilitates the provision of events, wellbeing and support.

Request	Recommendation
£10,000	That a grant of £3,000 be given.

Reason for decision:

The Group were supportive of community spaces which bring together communities and organisations to support residents and were encouraged by the plans to expand the opening hours and support available, including volunteer experience and developing further networks of partners.

23	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	The Honeypot Childrens Charity	Honeypot Childrens Charity support young carers aged between 5 and 12, including offering respite breaks at their home.

Request	Recommendation
£9,820	That a grant of £4,000 be given.

Reason for decision:

The Group were supportive of Honeypot and their plans to reach out to more young carers, a cohort who have very limited support available from other sources and often struggle with their own mental health, stress, anxiety and social isolation as a result of their caring responsibilities.  The Honeypot Childrens Charity work with other organisations and work with schools to raise awareness and to utilise the building during term times.

24	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	Thorneyhill Community Centre	The Thorneyhill Community Centre provides a meeting place for the whole community including families of Gypsy origin

Request	Recommendation
£8,000	That a grant of £3,000 be given.

Reason for decision

The Group recognised the importance of the centre in a rural and remote area as a meeting place for whole community to build relationships with community groups, as a community hub to access support, connect, improve wellbeing and reduce isolation, in particular to the local gypsy and traveller community, and after school and holiday clubs.

25	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	Totton Spiritualist Church	Totton Spiritualist Church supports the community, including the homeless, operate a foodbank, a Christmas toy appeal, a weekly bereavement café and warm space in winter. chat. We always open our door for everyone and anyone

Request	Recommendation
£3,000	That no grant is given

Reason for decision

The Group acknowledged and supported the work undertaken, but considered that there was duplication so when considering other applications and the budget available, and that funding could be utilised elsewhere to directly support organisations that benefit our residents on other areas.

26	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	Yellow Door	Yellow Door provides a range of integrated specialist services, advocacy, and therapeutic support to those who are at risk of or who have been affected by unwanted Sexual Experience or Domestic Abuse. This may include anything from rape, childhood sexual abuse, to harassment or coercion. The group works with the police, schools, and other organisations within the district, such as the Handy Trust, provides impartial advice, and information, and runs the STAR project delivering bespoke workshops on the impact of drugs and alcohol, image-based abuse, and abusive relationships.

Request	Recommendation
£20,000	That a grant of £4,500 be given.

Reason for decision

Yellow door supports the Council’s priorities by delivering outcomes for the community and working with others to achieve more.  It works with families offering support to those affected by abuse, and running preventative education programmes to raise awareness of these issues, such as STOP Domestic Abuse. Demand for its services is increasing and Yellow Door worked with young people as part of its STAR project.  Yellow Door have extended their work in the district and have worked with over 700 students in a number of schools across the district.  The group was pleased to note the organisation’s continued involvement with the Safer New Forest and Domestic Abuse strategy, and that the grant is used solely for the benefit of the New Forest.

27	APPLICANT	SUMMARY
	Youth in Romsey	Youth in Romsey provide services for young people aged between 5 and 25, including counselling, therapeutic support, youth groups, sexual health, career advice, and support groups for those with anxiety or low self-esteem.

Request	Recommendation
£17,160	That a grant of £4,000 be given.

Reason for decision:

The Group were supportive of the work of Youth in Romsey and recognised the need to support young people, particularly with mental health, self-harm and bereavement, and young carers, and the increased demand and lack of support available.  The Group were encouraged by the partnership working with organizations, and 7 local schools, and the further development of networks, and had assurances that any grant will be used to support residents of the New Forest.