Council Tax precept

Councils can hold a referendum to increase council tax to raise funds. For example, Gloucestershire held a local referendum to allow council tax to be increased to raise funds for investment in additional drainage and maintenance work after the 2007 floods. Cockermouth residents have also agreed to pay an extra levy on their Council Tax […]


Community Interest Company (CIC)

In order to gain funding from a variety of sources you may need to become a Community Interest Company (CIC). The level of community involvement varies, some CICs depend on the input of the community whereas others undertake actions on their behalf. Case Study Example: A community-led partnership was formed by Bucklebury residents with support from […]


Reaching Communities Fund

This Big Lottery Fund covers equipment costs, building and engineering works, purchase of land and equipment and legal fees. Community groups must apply for the funds, which are a minimum of £10,000. This fund does not cover routine repairs, maintenance or general improvement to public areas.


Awards for All England (Lottery)

Grants between £300 and £10,000 can be applied for by communities to put on an event, buy equipment, run training courses, set up a pilot project or group, carry out repairs or conservation work, pay volunteer expenses and transport costs. The grant must be used within 1 year.


Community Foundation

This needs to be led by the local community and aims to benefit the whole community. Grants of £1000-5000 are considered regularly.


Charitable Trusts

A Charitable Trust can be established with the specific purpose of dealing with and managing contributions for a particular cause or project. The Trust does not procure funds, but it is a mechanism for obtaining, holding and administering funds. Funds can be collected from the community/general public and is administered and allocated by the Trust. […]


Defra Partnership funding

The amount of funding available varies and is dependent on the amount of Grant-in-Aid (GiA) and the level of contributions from other partners. The application process is lengthy (around 18 months) and requires the Lead Local Flood Authority to submit the bid on behalf of the community with their support. Although it is possible to […]


Community Interest Company (CIC)

In order to gain funding from a variety of sources you may need to become a Community Interest Company (CIC). The level of community involvement varies, some CICs depend on the input of the community whereas others undertake actions on their behalf. Case Study Example: A community-led partnership was formed by Bucklebury residents with support […]


Business Improvement District (BID)

Your Local Authority will need to assist you with setting up a Business Improvement District. Money is collected through a levy on business rates in the area. A BID is only valid for 5 years. It can take up to 2 years to set up a BID and has high initial costs (£100,000 to £500,000). […]


Home equity loans/refinancing

Property owners who have equity within their properties can release this money through extending their current mortgage or taking out a new mortgage.  The money can then be used to fund property level flood resilience measures. Equity release can be in the form of an additional income, a cash lump sum, or both. The Money […]