Purpose

The Rural Areas Community Initiatives Fund was established by the borough council to encourage the delivery of locally important capital projects in the rural areas that would not be able to go ahead without financial support from the council. 

Details of the scheme

An information leaflet about the rural grants scheme (PDF 2Mb) can be downloaded here. 

Full details of the scheme, including the criteria that must be met, are provided in the Grants Policy (PDF 100Kb) Each scheme has to obtain at least 50% match funding.

Size of award

The maximum award for any one capital scheme or project is £5000 and the minimum award £500. 

Revenue schemes are not eligible.

The award is open to properly constituted groups and organisations, including parish councils.

Organisations should be based within, or work within, the rural areas of the borough (the area outside the urban areas of Haverhill and Bury St Edmunds). The beneficiaries of any capital allocation must be people living, working or visiting the rural communities of the borough.

The decision-making process is designed to be quick and streamlined, with your local borough councillor playing a key role. To find out who your local borough councillor is please see: St Edmundsbury Borough Council - your councilllors webpage

Applications will be assessed by the St Edmundsbury Grant Panel.

The following information pack and application forms can be downloaded:

• Information leaflet for the Rural Areas Community Initiatives Fund (PDF 27Kb)
• Introductory letter for applicants (PDF 28Kb)
• Grants policy (PDF 100Kb)
• Grant application form (PDF 98Kb)
• Ward member response form (PDF 16Kb)

If you would like to complete the form on the computer, please email us at the address below and we will email you the application form in word format.

Hard copies can also be obtained.