Community grants in Suffolk
As of 22 October 2026, GrantMatch lists 22 live grants for community groups in Suffolk from 13 funders. 2 close in the next 30 days, the first on 26 October 2026, 12 are open all year with no fixed deadline, and 17 were added this week. Each entry links to the official source.
Listings last checked 22 October 2026. Guide checked 21 October 2026.
Community funding in Suffolk comes from a few main places: Suffolk Community Foundation, the district councils, and a growing number of funds linked to energy projects on the coast, such as Sizewell C and the offshore wind farms and their cable routes. Many of these are for one district, parish or stretch of coast rather than the whole county.
This page lists live grants for charities, CICs and community groups in Suffolk. Grants open across the East of England are on our East of England page, and UK-wide community grants are listed underneath.
Find the grants your organisation can win
Tell us about your organisation once and GrantMatch shows the grants you are most likely to win, checks your eligibility and emails you when new funding for community groups in Suffolk opens. Free to start, no card needed.
Create free accountClosing in the next 30 days (2)
Progress Power Community Benefit Fund (Eye area)
Mid Suffolk District Council
The Progress Power Community Benefit Fund gives up to £10,000 for community projects in Eye, Mellis, Thrandeston, Yaxley and Brome and Oakley in Mid Suffolk. It can fund capital or running costs. Village halls, community groups, parish councils and sports clubs can apply. Applications close on 31 October 2026. Official source: https://midsuffolk.gov.uk/community-funding. Last checked by GrantMatch on 22 October 2026.
Harwich Haven Authority Fund
Suffolk Community Foundation
The Harwich Haven Authority Fund, run by Suffolk Community Foundation, pays for core costs and project costs for charitable activities in parts of Suffolk. It is open now and closes on 26 October 2026. You can ask for up to £5,000 a year. Multi-year funding may be considered, for up to 3 years, so the most you could receive is £5,000 per year over that time. If you want multi-year funding, say so on your application. The fund is for charitable, voluntary and community groups. Social enterprises can apply too. Your activities must be delivered in the Suffolk postcodes IP1 to IP15. The fund backs projects that do one or more of these things: promote interest in water-based activities, support careers in the maritime sector, maritime safety and the welfare of mariners, protect the environment, or help local communities by improving children's education or people's physical and mental health and wellbeing. It also supports people who are under-privileged or socially excluded, and the LGBTQIA+ community. In this round, the panel is especially keen to see projects that benefit the environment, build community resilience and improve health and wellbeing through nature-based work. One practical point: the foundation asks you to read its grantmaking guidelines before you apply, so you can check that you are eligible. Official source: https://suffolkcf.org.uk/grants/harwich-haven-authority-fund/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
Added this week (17)
Progress Power Community Benefit Fund (Eye area)
Mid Suffolk District Council
The Progress Power Community Benefit Fund gives up to £10,000 for community projects in Eye, Mellis, Thrandeston, Yaxley and Brome and Oakley in Mid Suffolk. It can fund capital or running costs. Village halls, community groups, parish councils and sports clubs can apply. Applications close on 31 October 2026. Official source: https://midsuffolk.gov.uk/community-funding. Last checked by GrantMatch on 22 October 2026.
Hornsea 3 Community Fund
GrantScape (funded by Ørsted)
Grants for coastal and cable-route communities near the Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm in Norfolk and Suffolk. Separate Skills and Legacy funds run alongside the main Community Fund. Amount: £500 to £75,000. Closes midnight on 2 December 2026; decisions by early March 2027; next round 2 June 2027. Who can apply: Not-for-profit community organisations with projects in the eligible Norfolk and Suffolk coastal and cable-route area (see the fund criteria). Main grants need match funding. How to apply: Check the criteria on the GrantScape Hornsea 3 page and apply through the GrantScape online portal before midnight on 2 December 2026. Official source: https://grantscape.org.uk/fund/hornsea-3-community-fund/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
Bramford to Twinstead Community Fund (Local Fund)
National Grid (administered by Localgiving)
Local grants for communities closest to the Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement in Suffolk and Essex: up to £5,000 for feasibility studies and larger grants for projects, up to £20,000 depending on type and scale. Amount: Up to £20,000. Current round closes 5pm on Friday 11 December 2026; considered at the January panel. Who can apply: Not-for-profit, community-focused organisations, including parish councils, delivering projects in the eligible areas of Suffolk and Essex shown on the map. How to apply: Check your eligibility with the Localgiving postcode checker and start your application on Localgiving before 5pm on 11 December 2026. Official source: https://www.nationalgrid.com/the-great-grid-upgrade/bramford-to-twinstead/community-fund. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
ESLCU Community Grants 2026
ESLCU (East of England credit union)
ESLCU gives small community groups £100 to £250 for practical local projects in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and north and central Essex. Clubs, youth activities, support groups and money skills projects all fit. Applications close on 31 December 2026, or sooner if demand is high. Official source: https://www.eslcu.co.uk/useful-information/community-grants/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 22 October 2026.
Babergh District Council Locality Awards 2026 to 2027
Babergh District Council
Babergh District Council's Locality Awards let each District Councillor give out £2,000 a year to small community projects in their ward. They can pay for things like equipment for youth groups, improvements to village halls and sports clubs, or wildflower planting. Your councillor completes part of the form with you. Applications for 2026 to 2027 are open until 29 January 2027. Official source: https://www.babergh.gov.uk/w/locality-awards. Last checked by GrantMatch on 22 October 2026.
Mid Suffolk District Council Locality Awards 2026 to 2027
Mid Suffolk District Council
Mid Suffolk District Council's Locality Awards let each District Councillor give out £10,000 a year to small community projects in their ward. They can pay for things like equipment for youth groups, improvements to village halls and sports clubs, or wildflower planting. Your councillor completes part of the form with you. Applications for 2026 to 2027 are open until 29 January 2027. Official source: https://www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/w/locality-awards. Last checked by GrantMatch on 22 October 2026.
Guide
Checked 21 October 2026 against the official sources linked.
Suffolk Community Foundation
Suffolk Community Foundation manages more than 130 grant-making funds for local charities and community groups, with awards from £500 to £40,000 or more. Its Central Fund offers up to £5,000 for core costs, projects or small items, and it publishes separate guidance for CICs and social enterprises.
Source: Suffolk Community Foundation
Sizewell C and coastal energy funds
The Sizewell C Community Fund will provide up to £23 million over the next decade for charities, community groups and social enterprises with projects that benefit communities in East Suffolk, with priority for the places closest to the construction. Offshore wind and grid projects, such as Hornsea 3 and the Bramford to Twinstead line, also fund groups in the parishes along their routes, so check the map of eligible areas first.
Source: Sizewell C Community Fund (Suffolk Community Foundation)
District councils and councillors
In Babergh, each district councillor has £2,000 a year to give through Locality Awards, a light-touch grant for small community projects, and you complete the form together with your councillor. Mid Suffolk runs Locality Awards too, and the two councils take bids for Community Infrastructure Levy money for things such as village halls and sports facilities. Talk to your district councillor before you apply.
Help with applications
Community Action Suffolk supports voluntary and community groups across the county with funding advice, governance and volunteering. It is a good first call if you are setting up a group or applying for your first grant.
Source: Community Action Suffolk
Who funds this
| Funder | Open grants here |
|---|---|
| Mid Suffolk District Council | 4 |
| Suffolk Community Foundation | 4 |
| Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils | 3 |
| Northumbrian Water Group | 2 |
| Babergh District Council | 1 |
| East Suffolk Council | 1 |
| ESLCU (East of England credit union) | 1 |
| Essex Community Foundation (Saffron Building Society) | 1 |
13 different funders in total. Where a maximum award is stated, the middle value is £7,500.
By grant size
| Largest award | Open grants |
|---|---|
| Up to £2,000 | 2 |
| £2,001 to £10,000 | 7 |
| £10,001 to £100,000 | 5 |
| Over £100,000 | 1 |
| Amount varies or not stated | 7 |
All open grants (22)
No deadline listed
Check the funder's current application window before you apply.
West Suffolk Council Locality Budgets
West Suffolk Council
West Suffolk councillors can fund community groups for projects the whole local community can enjoy. Talk to your local councillor or a Families and Communities officer to get started. There is no fixed deadline. Official source: https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/community/community-grants.cfm. Last checked by GrantMatch on 22 October 2026.
Northumbrian Water Branch Out Landscape Connectivity Fund
Northumbrian Water Group
Grants for landscape-scale projects that restore or enhance priority habitats, building resilience in the natural environment. Match funding is required. Amount: From £10,000. Rolling: application process open. Who can apply: Organisations running landscape-scale habitat projects in the Northumbrian Water or Essex and Suffolk Water operating areas (see the eligibility leaflet). How to apply: Download the eligibility leaflet and editable application form for your area from the fund page, then email the completed form to Branchout@NWL.co.uk. Official source: https://www.nwg.co.uk/responsibility/environment/branch-out-funds/landscape-connectivity/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
East Suffolk Enabling Communities Budgets
East Suffolk Council
East Suffolk councillors can give £100 to £7,500 to local projects that start or grow community activity in their ward. Village halls, events, youth groups, defibrillators and new community initiatives all fit. Fill in the form and send it to your ward councillor at any time. Official source: https://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/community-initiatives/enabling-communities/enabling-communities-budgets/enabling-communities-budget-scheme-guidance. Last checked by GrantMatch on 22 October 2026.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Bids
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils let community organisations bid for Community Infrastructure Levy money to improve local facilities. You can bid for up to £100,000, covering up to 75% of the project cost. Village halls, parish councils and sports clubs are typical applicants. Send a CIL Funding Enquiry Form to the CIL team at any time to start. Official source: https://www.babergh.gov.uk/w/cil-bids-expenditure. Last checked by GrantMatch on 22 October 2026.
Sustainable Communities Food Fund (Babergh and Mid Suffolk)
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
The Sustainable Communities Food Fund gives £250 to £5,000 to small community food projects in Babergh and Mid Suffolk, such as community pantries. It can pay for volunteer training, equipment, planters or fruit trees. The fund is open now, with no closing date shown. Official source: https://babergh.gov.uk/community-funding. Last checked by GrantMatch on 22 October 2026.
Villages Windfarm Community Fund
Norfolk Community Foundation
Grants for activity involving local people that gives economic, environmental, educational, social or cultural benefit to Holton, Sotherton and Westhall in Suffolk. £14,775 available in 2026. Amount: Usually up to £5,000. Open call for applications; no fixed deadline shown. Who can apply: Charities, faith organisations, parish and town councils, social enterprises and CICs, and voluntary and community groups. NCF general eligibility criteria apply. Projects must benefit the eligible parishes. How to apply: Check the Norfolk Community Foundation general eligibility criteria and apply online from the fund page. Talk to the Programmes Advisor (01603 623958) first if you are considering a larger award. Official source: https://www.norfolkfoundation.com/funding-support/grants/groups/villages-windfarm-community-fund/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
More grants
Get alerts when new grants open
Tell us about your organisation once and GrantMatch shows the grants you are most likely to win, checks your eligibility and emails you when new funding for community groups in Suffolk opens. Free to start, no card needed.
Create free accountSizewell C Community Fund
Suffolk Community Foundation
The Sizewell C Community Fund, run by Suffolk Community Foundation, will provide up to £23 million over the next decade. It backs projects that benefit local communities in East Suffolk, help reduce the impact of building Sizewell C nuclear power station and leave a lasting legacy. You can apply for revenue costs, such as staffing, rent, volunteer expenses and core costs (up to 15% of the award). You can also apply for capital costs, such as buildings, vehicles, IT and other equipment. You can ask for up to 100% of your project costs. There are two programmes. Small Grants offer up to £10,000 a year, with a maximum of £30,000 over three years. Large Grants are for more than £10,000 a year for up to three years. There is no set maximum, but the team advises you to ask for an amount that is realistic and proportionate to the benefit. The fund is open all year, but it works in rounds with closing dates. The current round closes on 4 January 2027 at 23:59, with decisions in early April 2027. The next round closes on 4 April 2027 at 23:59. If you miss a date, you can aim for the next one. Priority goes to projects close to development sites (within 5km) that show a clear need linked to Sizewell C construction. Projects with wider community support, inclusive activities and a sustainable legacy also score well. One practical caveat: you must speak to the team before you apply. An application form is only released once they have talked through your idea with you. The fund cannot pay for anything bought or delivered before a grant is awarded. Official source: https://suffolkcf.org.uk/sizewell-c/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
UK-wide community grants also open here
These are open to groups anywhere in the UK. Check each one for its full rules.
Sylvia Waddilove Foundation UK
Sylvia Waddilove Foundation UK
Grants usually of £1,000 to £5,000, mainly for capital costs, across areas including the arts, disability, hospices, historic buildings and education. UK charities can apply; income limits vary by funding area (for example under £500,000 for most arts and £3 million for building preservation). Apply through the online form before 12 noon on 30 October 2026 (the autumn round may close early if busy). Official source: https://pwwsolicitors.co.uk/charity-grants/waddilove-foundation-uk/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
Ford Britain Trust Small Grants
Ford Britain Trust
Small grants of up to £250 for capital items and projects that benefit communities, young people, education and disabled people. Areas near Ford sites get priority. Registered charities, state schools, PTAs and not-for-profit groups in the UK can apply. Large grants (up to £3,000) are paused until a new form is published. Apply online by 31 October 2026 for review in November. Official source: https://www.ford.co.uk/experience-ford/news/ford-britain-trust. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
LGBT+ Fund Get Active Fund
The LGBT+ Fund (Consortium)
Grants of £5,000 to £25,000 a year, for one or two years, for LGBT+ sport and physical activity groups across the UK. UK organisations and groups working in LGBT+ sport and physical activity can apply, with priority for grassroots groups. Apply on the LGBT+ Fund website before 12 noon on 4 November 2026. Official source: https://lgbtfund.org.uk/live-funds/get-active-fund/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
British Science Week Community Grant Scheme
British Science Association
Grants for community groups to run science activity for British Science Week 2027. Pilot Grants are £2,500, and Incubator Grants of £5,000 to £8,000 fund projects co-designed by community organisations and researchers. Community organisations and groups across the UK can apply, especially those working with audiences under-represented in science. Apply online through the British Science Week website before 5pm on 4 November 2026. Decisions by 14 December 2026. Official source: https://www.britishscienceweek.org/grants/community-grant-scheme/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
British Science Week Curiosity Grant for Schools
British Science Association
A £600 cash grant paid to a school to run science activity for British Science Week 2027. UK schools can apply. No more than £100 can go on refreshments. Apply online from the British Science Week site by 5pm on 4 November 2026. Official source: https://www.britishscienceweek.org/grants/new-school-funding-2027/curiosity-grant/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
Social Investment Gateway Programme
School for Social Entrepreneurs
The Social Investment Gateway Programme is a free 12-month support programme run by the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE). It helps charities, social enterprises and community organisations strengthen their trading and move closer to being ready for social investment within the next three years. The programme will support 75 leaders across four cohorts. Cohort 2 runs from 1 March 2027 to 1 February 2028, and applications are now open. Face-to-face sessions take place in London and Manchester at the start, middle and end of the programme. You can choose between two types of grant. A Match Trading Grant of up to £18,000 is designed to challenge your trading, and you can only draw it down as your trading grows. It is paid over 12 months in five instalments. A repayable grant of up to £24,000 is also available, with an average of around £22,000. SSE is piloting repayable grants, and 10 are on offer across both rounds. SSE will share the risk with you and wants to learn with you how repayable grants might help organisations get into social investment. The programme suits organisations that have a trading model and plans to grow over the next year. You might want support with market development, pricing and sales, financial strategy, systems, governance, demonstrating impact or managing risk. The deadline is noon on Friday 6 November 2026. One practical point: you should usually have an annual income above £100,000, counting all income and not just trading income. Groups below that level with a strong trading model are encouraged to contact SSE. Official source: https://www.actiontogether.org.uk/social-investment-gateway-programme. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
Leeds Building Society Foundation - Small Grants
Leeds Building Society Foundation
The Leeds Building Society Foundation Small Grants help UK charities that support people in need of a safe and secure home. The Foundation funds work in the housing and homelessness sector. You can apply for up to £2,500. The grants are flexible, so you can ask for core, project or capital costs. The average grant period is between six months and a year. The scheme suits UK-registered charities with a turnover of under £500,000. You can be based anywhere in the UK. Your application must meet at least one of the funding priorities: financial stress, security and refuge, or quality and suitability of housing. You can also apply under the theme of health and wellbeing support for people experiencing homelessness. This must be part of wraparound support, and your application must also meet at least one of the other priorities. The Foundation welcomes applications that take a Housing First and/or relationship-based approach. It would like to see evidence of strength-based practice, trauma-informed care and psychologically informed environments. The current application window opened on 8 September 2026 and closes on 11 November 2026. The Foundation's meeting for this window is on 4 December 2026. One practical point: the Foundation highly recommends reading its grant giving guide before you apply. The guide explains what is funded, who is eligible and how the process works. Official source: https://www.leedsbuildingsociety.co.uk/your-society/about-us/foundation/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.
DPS Social Commitment Programme: Scale
School for Social Entrepreneurs
A nine-month learning programme plus a grant of up to £10,000 for established social enterprises and charities that help people get and keep secure housing. UK organisations tackling housing insecurity, usually with annual income over £100,000 and a model ready to grow, can apply. Register interest and apply on the SSE website by 12pm on 16 November 2026. Official source: https://www.the-sse.org/programme/the-dps-social-commitment-programme-scale/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 19 October 2026.
See every grant for community groups (70 in total)
Questions
What community grants are open in Suffolk?
Today GrantMatch lists 22 live grants for charities, CICs or community groups in Suffolk, from 13 funders. 9 offer up to £10,000, 12 have no fixed deadline and 2 close in the next 30 days.
Can a CIC apply to Suffolk Community Foundation?
Suffolk Community Foundation publishes separate guidance for CICs and social enterprises, so read it before you apply. Many council and energy funds on this page also accept CICs, but rules differ, so check each grant.
Who are the main funders?
Funding here comes from community foundations, councils and others. Today the largest funders here are Mid Suffolk District Council, Suffolk Community Foundation, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils.
Are there grants for village halls in Suffolk?
Often, yes. Community Infrastructure Levy bids in Babergh and Mid Suffolk can support village halls and sports facilities, and Mid Suffolk has a fund to help groups save village shops and pubs. Our village hall grants page lists more across the UK.
How do you check these grants?
We collect grants from official funder pages, GOV.UK, councils and community foundations, and remove them when they close. Each grant page links to its source and shows when we last checked it. Always confirm the details with the funder before you apply.
Start your free GrantMatch account
Tell us about your organisation once and GrantMatch shows the grants you are most likely to win, checks your eligibility and emails you when new funding for community groups in Suffolk opens. Free to start, no card needed.
Create free accountRelated pages
Sources and how we check
We collect grants from official funder pages and remove them when they close. Each grant page links to its source and shows when we last checked it. Always confirm the details with the funder before you apply. Guide sources: