Inspirational schemes supported by Grow Up! Community Fund
The first grants from our Grow Up! Community Fund First have been announced, with more expected in the future.
Our Grow Up! Community Fund is supporting projects that provide a space to encourage prosperity, support health and wellbeing and reconnect people with the countryside.
Part of our Grow Up! programme, the Grow Up! Community Fund aims to work with community groups, councils and other organisations to deliver community projects that will deliver the Grow Up! vision on a local level. It is funded by £130,000 of Government money.
So far three projects have benefited from the fund, with more applications to resolve.
Among the projects to get backing are a tree-planting scheme in Petersfield and a fantastic facility for children with special educational needs.
This one-off fund makes up part of the council's wider Grow Up! programme which has been delivered through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) of £1 million, over three years. Our Grow Up Community Fund prioritises projects that deliver the greatest local collaboration, environmental and social benefits to the district.
In total the council received 21 applications for this fund which represents EHDC’s fresh approach to community and economic development in rural East Hampshire.
Cllr Richard Millard, EHDC Leader, said: “Our Grow Up! programme is dedicated to reconnecting us with our rich rural heritage and preserving valuable skills that might otherwise be lost.
“The Grow Up! Community Fund is a great way to support projects and community groups that benefit everyone in their area.
“These fantastic schemes are a great example of the brilliant things our communities can provide for local residents with a bit of support.”
Grants awarded through the Grow Up Community Fund in 2024
- Community First Wessex (The Clanfield Centre), £5,540.40 – Sessions bringing together different generations to explore and learn about rural skills and enjoy beautiful rural environment in Clanfield
- Petersfield Climate Action Network (PeCAN), £9,000 - A fruit tree in every garden across East Hampshire. You can order a subsidised fruit tree for your garden here
- The Green Room School Kingsley, £25,000 - Multipurpose pod for pupils for special educational needs, private therapy, one to one space and music lesson for students and parents.