About this programme

Community led action is central to improving health and wellbeing in rural areas. The Community Small Grants Programme replaces the previous sector support fund for the Voluntary and Community Sector which has run successfully for a number of years. The needs of the sector have matured and the new small grants programme is a response to these changes. It is funded by the Integrated Care Board, Public Health and Rutland County Council. The total grant pot available is £62,000 for the financial year 2026 - 2027. Groups can apply for a grant value between £500 to £2,000.

Full details can be found on our website, here: www.rutland.gov.uk/smallgrants

Programme aims

The new programme aims to empower communities to lead change, strengthen local networks and support activities that directly contribute to Public Health outcomes. It will support community capacity and local action in rural voluntary and community sector organisations.

The programme is intended to support a more connected local welfare landscape, effective crisis support, improved individual financial resilience and improved community access to resilience services by:

• Strengthening Community Capacity and Community Coordination

• Enabling Community Led Health and Wellbeing Activity

• Providing local solutions to rural health inequalities

• Delivering strong public health outcomes

The Rutland Village Community Connectors and High 5 pilots have demonstrated that small-scale investment and mentoring can:

• Enable communities to map their own assets and design solutions

• Create new community groups (e.g., walking groups, social clubs)

• Strengthen volunteers’ confidence and awareness of health and wellbeing support

• Reduce loneliness by connecting isolated residents

• Build lasting structures (e.g. regular village meet ups, shared communication platforms).

Target activities

The types of activities which will be supported by the Small Grants Scheme include:

• Community Capacity and Leadership

• Volunteer recruitment, training, and coordination

• Development of local communication channels (newsletters, platforms)

• Investment in new technology that will increase accessibility for rural communities to access wellbeing advice and welfare information. Community asset mapping and planning.

• Age friendly community developments

• Digital literacy support

• Targeted engagement with seldom heard groups

Applications

The scheme is being publicised during April 2026 and applications invited from 4 May 2026. Applicants can submit clarification questions to Rutland County Council, as they prepare their bids. These questions can be submitted via our website and must be received before midday on Friday 8 May: www.rutland.gov.uk/smallgrants