Community funding scheme

Eligibility

You can view the:

• guidance on eligibility and rules for the CIL grant
• guidance for the Greener Chelmsford grant

We will allocate funding to projects that contribute to the themes from our Corporate Plan: 

• Fairer and inclusive
• Greener and safer place
• Healthy, active and enjoyable lives
• Connected Chelmsford

Funding for the Greener Chelmsford Grants must also align with one of the four themes in the Greener Chelmsford Grant Guidance Notes.

We will not grant funds for projects that have already happened or that promote a particular religious or political belief.

If you have any queries relating to the criteria or grants policy, you can contact us.

How to apply

You need to read the eligibility criteria before you apply.

You also need to confirm your eligibility as part of the application process and confirm that you accept our Terms and Conditions.

Apply now 

Timescales

If you are applying for less than £10,000, we will review your application and officers will make a recommendation to the Community Funding Panel. We will then tell you the outcome of your application.

If you are requesting funding over £10,000, the Community Funding Panel will review your application. The Panel will then make recommendations to Cabinet for a final decision.

If you submit an application between:

• 1 April and 30 September, Cabinet will discuss your application in the following March
• 1 October and 31 March, Cabinet will discuss your application in the following September

For awards of £10,000 or more, you may also need to submit further information to support your application.

This scheme is open once a year for revenue funding of up to £10,000 per grant. The scheme is now open and will close to applications at 11.59pm on Sunday 27 April 2025.

Before you apply, you need to check the eligibility and rules for the Discretionary Fund

We will not grant funds for projects that have already happened or that promote a particular religious or political beliefs.

Apply now

You can view information on:

• past grants we have made 
• schemes we have funded through CIL

Active Chelmsford

Community Infrastructure Levy

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge we apply to new developments, to help to fund improvements to infrastructure.

There are two CIL funds that accept applications. One is for community infrastructure projects in the urban areas of Chelmsford. The other is reserved for larger infrastructure that supports the development of Chelmsford. 

You can find out if your project or organisation can apply for funding, paid for by money generated by CIL.

Rural England Propery Fund

The Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) supports capital projects that improve productivity and strengthen rural economies and communities.

You can find out more about the REPF.