We are committed to working in partnership with the Voluntary and Community Sector to deliver better outcomes for residents. Across the borough, local organisations play a vital role in supporting communities, complementing our work and reaching people and places that statutory services alone cannot.

This prospectus serves as a central resource, detailing the grant funding available to support and enhance these community-led efforts.

Our mission, as set out in the Corporate Strategy 2025–2035, is to ‘Put People and the Environment First’. Many of our key objectives, including improving residents' health and wellbeing, supporting those facing financial hardship, and building stronger, more connected communities, are most effectively delivered when we work together with the Voluntary and Community Sector. The grants outlined in this document are designed to support projects that contribute to our core corporate priorities:

• a high-quality place, adapted for a changing climate
• resilient communities
• quality homes for all
• a fairer economy for people and planet

The impact of Maidstone’s thriving Voluntary and Community Sector can be seen across the borough. Through our recent Creative Communities Grants scheme, £121,000 has supported 83 projects that have reached over 31,000 people.

Since 2023, the Household Support Fund has channelled over £182,000 through local organisations to an estimated 12,000 households facing the cost-of-living crisis. And the Community Resilience Fund has backed 30 organisations, delivering everything from food cooperatives to sporting activities, with nearly £119,000 invested since 2024.

This prospectus sets out the funding currently available and how to access it. All grants are managed in accordance with our Community Grants Policy (Appendix 1).

Regular council funding programmes

Nature Recovery Fund

Nature Recovery Fund projects should aim to create, enhance, or restore wildlife habitats and biodiversity, with priority given to threatened or endangered native species. Activities may include habitat creation, restoration, or improved land management practices.

• Annual budget: £195,000
• Typical grant value: between £10,000 and £50,000

Climate Action Fund

Climate Action Fund projects should deliver tangible climate mitigation or adaptation outcomes, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing carbon sequestration, or building resilience to climate impacts. Priority will be given to locally significant initiatives.

• Annual budget: £12,000
• Typical grant value: between £1,000 and £3,000

Creative Communities Grant

Supports arts and cultural projects that encourage community cohesion and pride in the borough. Projects must address at least two of the following:

• increasing pride in the borough
• increasing participation in arts and cultural activities
• supporting individual or community health
• promoting environmental awareness

Open to individual artists, creatives, community groups and cultural organisations.

• Annual budget: £30,000
• Grant value: between £500 and £2,000

Funding is awarded in two rounds each year (spring and autumn).

Community Fund

Supports initiatives delivered by the Voluntary and Community Sector that focus on community resilience by:

• reducing social isolation
• improving digital inclusion
• increasing community connection
• enhancing mental and physical wellbeing
• building financial resilience

Criteria are intentionally broad to complement rather than duplicate other funds such as the Household Support Fund.

Funding is awarded in three tranches and is based on geography and need using a data-led approach. The first tranche focuses on the town centre, inclusion, and safety. The remaining two tranches are borough-wide.

• Annual budget: £140,000 (£80,000 is from the new allocation this year)

Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF)

The Crisis and Resilience Fund is a three-year programme replacing the existing Household Support Fund. It aims to support community organisations in delivering crisis support and resilience-building activities, with a focus on financial resilience and debt advice.

The final criteria are subject to Kent County Council confirming Maidstone's allocation and scheme requirements.

• Annual budget: to be confirmed

Parish Services Scheme Grant

Annual grants are awarded to all parish councils and are calculated in line with Council Tax increases. Allocations are based on:

• local assets such as grounds maintenance, war memorials, play areas, churchyards, and public conveniences
• land maintained
• population
• Annual budget: varies

Emergency Crisis Funding for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS)

An emergency fund available to Voluntary and Community Sector organisations and groups in crisis. Applications should include plans for:

• future fundraising
• long-term sustainability
• demonstrating impact

Applications are assessed based on need and priorities.

• Annual budget: £20,000

Police and Crime Commissioner Grants

We will commission work with the Voluntary and Community Sector to meet the priorities of the Safer Maidstone Partnership in line with Police and Crime Commissioner requirements.

• Annual budget: varies (£30,000 in 2026)

In-kind funding

Support may include:

• free or reduced-rate use of council-owned venues such as the Leisure Centre and Town Hall
• access to shared resources, including the Insight Tool and LIFT data
• annual events to support parish councils and the Voluntary and Community Sector

What we are looking for

We are looking for ambitious, community-led projects that align with our Corporate Strategy 2025–2035. The Strategy sets out four corporate priorities, and the grants in this prospectus are designed to support projects that make a meaningful difference for our residents and environment across each of them.

A high-quality place, adapted for a changing climate

This priority seeks to protect and enhance our environment, ensuring it is fit for future generations. We are looking for projects that:

• support nature recovery: implement the Biodiversity Delivery Plan through local projects that protect habitats and increase urban and rural wildlife
• improve air quality: initiatives that promote active travel, such as walking and cycling, or reduce pollution in our town centres
• drive towards net zero: help our borough become net zero by 2030 by supporting community energy schemes or climate adaptation projects
• enhance open spaces: improve our parks and rural landscapes to ensure they remain high-quality spaces for all residents to enjoy

Resilient communities

This priority is about empowering residents and fostering local partnerships that tackle social challenges directly. We are looking for projects that:

• reduce health inequalities: deliver initiatives that improve physical and mental wellbeing, particularly for those in our most disadvantaged areas
• foster belonging and pride: support activities that bring people together, creating a borough where everyone feels they belong and are safe
• enhance community safety: work in partnership to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour through preventative, community-based solutions
• strengthen local infrastructure: build the capacity of local groups to provide essential services and support community activity

Quality homes for all

This priority reflects our belief that everyone deserves a safe, sustainable place to live. We are looking for projects that:

• improve energy efficiency: support residents in making their homes more sustainable and reducing fuel poverty
• prevent homelessness: work in partnership to provide early intervention and support services for those at risk of losing their homes
• enhance housing quality: tackle housing-related hardship and improve the standard of living for those in temporary or substandard accommodation

A fairer economy for people and planet

This priority reflects our commitment to building a fairer, more sustainable local economy. We are looking for projects that:

• prevent financial exclusion: provide vital debt advice, financial literacy training, and support for those experiencing economic hardship
• address poverty: directly support residents impacted by socio-economic disadvantage
• support local culture: invest in arts and culture projects that stimulate the local economy and enrich the lives of our residents
• build employment and skills: support initiatives that provide high-quality training, upskilling, and lifelong learning opportunities for our residents

The list is not exhaustive. We welcome any project that can demonstrate a significant contribution to the wellbeing of Maidstone and its residents.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants

We are committed to supporting a diverse and resilient Voluntary and Community Sector. To ensure that our limited funding reaches those who can make the most significant contribution to our borough’s wellbeing, we have established clear eligibility criteria for all grant applicants.

We welcome applications from organisations that are voluntary, community, faith, parish, or not-for-profit in nature. This includes:

• registered charities and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
• Community Interest Companies (CICs), which will be considered on a case-by-case basis
• unincorporated groups and associations: a grant may be awarded to an individual on behalf of the group, provided appropriate accountability measures are in place
• parish councils: for the delivery of non-statutory projects that benefit the local community
• faith-based organisations, provided the project promotes community wellbeing and is open to everyone

Your organisation must be based within the Maidstone borough. If you are located outside the borough, you must clearly demonstrate that the funding will exclusively benefit Maidstone residents and address local needs.

In January 2023, we recognised poverty as a protected characteristic. We therefore prioritise projects that reach the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our community. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their project will address the needs of those experiencing poverty and reduce socio-economic disadvantages.

To maintain a fair and transparent process, we generally cannot award grants to commercial businesses, private individuals, or other local authorities. Funding is intended for specific projects and cannot be used for statutory duties or to sustain a long-term business model.

Where the relevant grant scheme permits, organisations may include a reasonable proportion of core or management costs, such as contributions to staff time, premises, or administration, within their project budget. These must be directly linked to project delivery and clearly justified. They cannot be used as a substitute for the organisation's wider, ongoing income.

Standards for funding

Ensuring safe and responsible delivery

All applicants must demonstrate that they have the following protections and controls in place. These requirements apply to all funded organisations and should be proportionate to the scale and nature of your project.

Safeguarding and public safety

The safety of our community is paramount. Depending on your activities, you must provide evidence of:

• safeguarding policies: robust procedures for the protection of children, young people, and vulnerable adults
• public liability insurance: comprehensive cover that is appropriate to the specific activities and risks of your project
• health and safety: a clear policy and established procedures to ensure the wellbeing of staff, volunteers, and participants

Financial integrity and accountability

We must be satisfied that every pound is spent effectively. Organisations are required to demonstrate robust financial management, including:

• financial controls: evidence of internal controls and anti-fraud procedures to prevent the misapplication of funds
• budgeting and stability: a clear, realistic budgeting process and evidence of financial stability (such as bank statements or cash flow forecasts) appropriate to the project’s scale
• transparent reporting: a track record of financial reporting suitable for the size and activities of your organisation

Governance and legal status

To ensure your project can be seen through to a successful completion, we assess:

• organisational capacity: the suitability of your leadership and governance arrangements
• operational history: most applicants must have been operational for at least twelve months before applying, demonstrating a proven track record
• risk management: a clear plan for identifying and mitigating key risks, whether they are financial, operational, or safeguarding-related

Additional professional standards

Depending on the nature of your project, we may also ask for evidence of:

• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): a formal policy or statement showing how EDI is embedded in your project
• data protection: robust procedures for handling personal data in line with current legislation
• statutory duties: awareness of and procedures relating to the Prevent duty, modern slavery, and human trafficking

How we decide

The assessment process

All grant applications are subject to a fair, transparent, and accountable assessment process. We review each bid l to ensure it meets our high standards for community impact and financial responsibility.

Core assessment criteria

We use a pre-defined set of criteria to judge every application. As a minimum, your project will be scored on:

• alignment with priorities: how well the proposal meets our overarching Corporate Strategy 2025-2035 and the specific themes of this grant
• outcomes and impact: clarity on what the project will actually achieve and the positive difference it will make for our residents
• project design: the robustness of your delivery plan, your timeline, and your organisation's capacity to hit your stated goals
• value for money: a clear financial outline demonstrating effective planning and that the requested funds offer good value
• risk management: your ability to identify and mitigate potential financial, operational, or safeguarding risks

Beyond the technical criteria, we look for projects that embody our corporate values below.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

We look for a clear demonstration of how EDI is embedded throughout the project to ensure fair access for all. We especially value projects that actively seek to increase participation from under-represented groups.

Addressing poverty

Since we recognise poverty as a protected characteristic, we prioritise applications that demonstrate a clear plan to support residents experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.

Partnership and collaboration

We favour true partnership working, where different agencies and community groups work together in a spirit of cooperation.

Due diligence and awarding

• financial checks: we conduct thorough checks of the legal and financial status of every applicant, including a review of submitted accounts and financial statements
• the decision: all applicants will be formally notified of the outcome in writing by the specified deadline. There is no right of appeal regarding the decision itself, though appeals against the process used can be made via our complaints procedure.
• Sign-off: all awards are subject to the appropriate level of sign-off as stipulated by our Constitution

Awarding and next steps

Receiving your grant

Once the assessment process is complete, all applicants will be formally notified of the outcome within the timelines specified on our website.

The notification process

If your application is successful, you will receive an official award notification in writing. This package will include:

• award details: the total grant amount awarded and a clear description of the agreed project and outcomes
• payment terms: a detailed schedule of when payments will be released and any specific conditions that must be met first
• milestones: a summary of the key delivery dates and reporting requirements you must adhere to
• grant agreement: reference to the formal documentation (or Deed for larger amounts) that must be signed to move forward

Accepting the offer

To secure the funding, the recipient must formally sign and return the requested documentation by the specified deadline. It is important to act quickly, as failure to return these documents on time may result in the offer being withdrawn.

How payments are made

The different ways that payments are made are outlined below.

Payments in advance

Payments are generally made in advance of project delivery to ensure you have the necessary cash flow.

Instalments

For larger or longer-term projects, payments may be made in instalments (e.g., quarterly). These are subject to robust due diligence and evidence of progress.

Financial bands

The legal complexity of your agreement depends on the amount:

• small (£0 to £4,999): simplified offer letter and acceptance form
• medium (£5,000 to £9,999): formal grant agreement
• large (Over £10,000): grant agreement executed as a deed to ensure robust legal standing

Monitoring and reporting

Tracking impact and progress

We view our grant recipients as partners. Regular monitoring is not just about oversight; it is a way for us to celebrate your successes, understand the challenges you face, and ensure that public funds are delivering the best possible outcomes for our residents.

Proportional monitoring

We believe that the level of reporting should match the level of funding. Monitoring requirements will be agreed upon with your organisation before the grant is confirmed and will generally include:

• small grants (£0 to £4,999): typically involve light-touch reporting to minimise the administrative burden on smaller groups
• medium and large grants (£5,000+): require more structured updates, including formal written reports and detailed financial reconciliations

Reporting requirements

During the life of your project, you will be required to submit regular updates to the relevant service area. These may include:

• progress reports: written updates (e.g., quarterly or bi-annually) detailing the activities you have undertaken and your progress against agreed milestones
• financial evidence: provision of financial statements, invoices, or other evidence of expenditure to ensure funds are being used as planned
• site visits: participation in review meetings or site visits by our officers to discuss the project’s development and offer support

The final evaluation

When a project has been completed, a full final report must be submitted. This should summarise:

• achievements and Impact: what the project actually changed for the community
• lessons learned: what went well and what would you do differently next time
• final financial reconciliation: a full and transparent breakdown of how all grant funds were spent

Information and support

Finding funding opportunities

All grant funding opportunities are advertised on our website. We aim for our process to be clear, accessible, and fair to all. When a fund opens, we will provide:

• the total money available and the minimum/maximum amounts you can request
• detailed eligibility criteria for both your organisation and your specific project
• a full breakdown of the assessment criteria and the conditions that will apply to the grant
• clear dates for submission and when you will hear back from us

Support for applicants

We are committed to maintaining an open and ongoing dialogue with our partners. If you need help during the application process:

• use the contact details provided in the specific grant announcement for support and enquiries
• reach out before you apply to discuss your project ideas or if you are unsure about eligibility
• tell us if you have concerns about the process used to award a grant; these can be addressed through our formal complaints procedure

We keep a register of organisations and individuals that can be approached when new funding is available. Please check our website regularly and make sure that your organisation's details are up-to-date with the Safer, Stronger Communities Team.

The difference between contracts and grants

We fund each local activity differently. You need to know if your proposal falls under a community grant or a procurement contract. This is because each type follows different rules, expectations, and legal frameworks.

Community grants

A grant is a financial contribution given to an organisation to help them carry out activities or projects that align with our Corporate Strategy 2025-2035.

The project must:

• support the social, environmental, and economic wellbeing of the borough
• be designed and managed by your organisation to meet a community need you have identified
• be agreed so it is awarded through this policy and governed by a Grant Agreement or Deed

Contracts

A contract is a procurement of services. This occurs when we have a specific statutory duty or a direct requirement and pay an organisation to deliver it on our behalf.

• The goal: to purchase a specific service for our direct benefit or to fulfil a specific legal obligation
• The ownership: we define exactly what is needed, how it should be delivered, and the standards required
• The agreement: these are governed by our Procurement Policy and formal commercial contracts

How we distinguish between the two

During the assessment of your application, we will determine if the nature of the funding constitutes a contract rather than a grant. We look at:

• direct benefit: are we purchasing a specific service for our own benefit, or is the funding primarily to support your activities for the wider community
• control: to what extent are we dictating the specific outputs versus supporting your intended outcomes
• procurement thresholds: if the total value of the funding for a service exceeds national Find a Tender Service (FTS) thresholds (currently £214k for services), we must legally explore whether a formal procurement process is required instead of a grant

Why it matters

Procurement rules

If a grant application is deemed to be an acquisition of a service, our procurement policy must apply unless a formal waiver is approved.

Transparency

For any grant agreement above £5,000, we are required to publish details on the contracts register to ensure full public accountability.

Guidance

If you are unsure which category your project falls into, please contact us for an informal discussion before you begin your application.