Following on from the successes of last year, Central Bedfordshire Council is delighted to announce a third round of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF/REPF) - community grants. Continuing the council’s work in supporting local economic and community development.  

Voluntary, community and social enterprise groups, and town and parish councils in Central Bedfordshire are able to apply for a portion of the £150,000 fund between w/c Monday 16 June and Friday 25 July 2025.

The initiative aims to improve or provide new community spaces and facilities, with grants available up to £25,000.

You can apply for community projects that are based in or benefit residents of Central Bedfordshire. The match funding requirement is 20% and any permissions, including planning, must have been previously sought. Projects will need to evidence the spending of the funds by the end of December 2025. 

All projects must meet one or more of the following UKSPF intervention objectives:  

- create or enhance community and neighbourhoods, such as buildings, facilities, or green spaces, and increase resilience to natural hazards, such as flooding

- support local community-based groups and organisations to develop their capacity and infrastructure, such as equipment, sports equipment and engagement, or improvements to facilities

- establish or improve local green spaces, such as parks, gardens, or woodlands, and promote their environmental, community and social benefits

- invest in capital assets that support local arts, cultural and creative activities, such as venues, equipment, or materials.

With the council’s partner organisation, Community Voluntary Service (CVS), they will be running ‘Meet the Funder’ sessions. These sessions help groups understand the grant criteria and submit a competitive application.  

Two ‘Meet the Funder’ sessions will be held online, via Microsoft Teams on the following dates:  

- Tuesday 24 June, 4-5pm
- Friday 27 June, 10-11am

The sessions will be recorded, and time allowed at the end of the presentation for a Q&A with the team.   

The session will cover:  
- overview of UK Shared Prosperity (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)   
- UKSPF and REPF investment themes and objectives of the fund   
- examples of previously funded projects 
- what can be funded and who can apply   
- timetable   
- how to apply   
- how will your application be assessed 
- what we will need from you   
- support available   

Councillor Tracey Wye, Chair of the UKSPF Local Partnership Group, said, “I am so pleased that we can facilitate yet another round of community grants through the UKSPF. We saw some brilliant investment locally with these grants in the first two rounds; from upgrading local children’s parks, to improving facilities by renovating them and giving them a new lease of life.

“I encourage everyone to attend the ‘Meet the Funder’ sessions to find out firstly, if your group is eligible for funding, and secondly, so they can help your group submit a sound application - giving you the best chance of being successful.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what projects come through.”  

To book onto a session, please email community.grants@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk by Monday 23 June with your name, your organisation, which session you would like to attend and your email address to share the invite with.   

This UKSPF scheme supports the council’s commitment to invest in the well-being and development of local communities. With a focus on inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability, this scheme provides financial support to projects that address community needs and create lasting impact.   

Find out more on our website.