Harrogate Town Council has launched a new grants programme worth £74,045, offering funding to local charities, community groups and voluntary organisations working to improve the lives of residents across the town.
The scheme forms part of the Town Council’s commitment to supporting community-led projects and investing in local initiatives that strengthen neighbourhoods, improve facilities and enhance wellbeing across Harrogate.
The funding is made up of two separate grant programmes. Importantly, £50,000 of the total funding available comes from developer (Community Infrastructure Levy) contributions associated with new housing developments in the Harrogate area; secured to help communities respond to growth and increased demand on local facilities and services. The remaining £24,045 comes from the Town Council’s general grants fund.
Mayor of Harrogate, Councillor Viv Poskitt, has said:
Community organisations are at the heart of what makes Harrogate such a special place to live. They provide support, opportunities and services that improve people’s lives and help bring communities together.
Through this grants programme, Harrogate Town Council is investing more than £74,000 in local projects that will deliver real benefits for residents. We are particularly pleased that a significant proportion of the funding is being made available through developer contributions, ensuring that investment linked to new development can be directed back into our communities.
We encourage eligible organisations to come forward with ambitious ideas and apply for funding that will help make a positive difference across Harrogate.
Two Funding Opportunities
Individual grants will normally be awarded up to a maximum of £5,000, although the Council may consider larger awards in exceptional circumstances.
General Grants Fund – £24,045
Supporting community projects, activities, services, events and initiatives that benefit Harrogate residents.
Infrastructure and Capital Grants Fund – £50,000
Supporting infrastructure, capital and community facility projects. Applicants must demonstrate how their project helps Harrogate respond to development, population growth or increased demand on local services and facilities.
Applications are welcomed from properly constituted local community groups, voluntary organisations, charities and other not-for-profit bodies operating for community benefit.
Projects should normally be based within the Harrogate Town Council boundary, although organisations located outside the area may be considered where funding is clearly directed towards a Harrogate-based project or activity.
How the Grants Scheme Works
Applications for the 2026/27 Small Grants Scheme are now open and must be submitted by 15th September 2026.
- Following the closing date, Town Council officers will review applications to ensure all required information has been provided and that projects meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria.
- Eligible applications will then be assessed by members of the Town Council’s Finance and General Purposes Committee, which will consider all eligible submissions at its meeting on 11th November 2026.
- Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by 30th November 2026.
- Successful organisations will normally be expected to spend their grant funding within two years of receiving an award.
Applying for Funding
Organisations must submit a completed application form together with supporting information, including their governing document, financial information and a project budget.
Applications for infrastructure and capital projects will also need to demonstrate how the proposed project helps Harrogate respond to development, growth or increased demand on local facilities and services.
Full guidance and application documents are available from Harrogate Town Council.
Organisations requiring advice before submitting an application are encouraged to contact the Council by emailing grants@harrogatetowncouncil.gov.uk or calling 01423 642542.
