Grants clinics launched to help community groups secure Stroud District Council funding

Community groups, charities, schools, local organisations and residents with ideas to improve their neighbourhoods are being invited to attend a series of free grant clinics designed to help them access Stroud District Council funding for local projects.

Stroud District Council (SDC) is hosting two drop-in events this September, giving people the opportunity to book one-to-one sessions with grant officers and receive tailored advice on developing project ideas and preparing funding applications.

The clinics are aimed at anyone considering applying for an SDC grant, as well as those who may have applied unsuccessfully in the past and would like guidance on how to strengthen a future application.

Representatives from a range of council funding programmes will be available to discuss projects, explain eligibility criteria and share advice on what makes a successful application.

The council hopes the sessions will encourage more people to come forward with ideas that could benefit local communities and help make the grant application process as easy as possible. 

Whether attendees have never applied for a council grant before, or have been unsuccessful in the past, the clinics are designed to provide practical advice, build confidence and give projects the best possible chance of success. 

People attending will be able to pre-book a free 20-minute appointment with the grant team they are most interested in speaking to. During registration, attendees can also indicate if they would like to speak with additional grant teams, and organisers will do their best to accommodate those requests.

The Joint Grants Clinics will take place on:

·       Wednesday 23 September, 10am to 2pm at The Rest Café, Court Farm, Broad Street, Kings Stanley, GL10 3PN. Book here: SDC Grants Clinic Drop-In Tickets, Wednesday, September 23  •  10 AM - 2 PM | Eventbrite

·       Thursday 24 September, 5pm to 7pm, The Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE. Book here: SDC Grants Clinic Drop-In Tickets, Thursday, September 24  •  5 PM - 7 PM | Eventbrite

Angela Gillingham, Stroud District Council’s Head of Community Services said:

"We know there are fantastic ideas out there that could make a real difference to communities across the district, but applying for funding can sometimes feel daunting. These grant clinics are an opportunity for people to talk through their ideas, ask questions and get practical advice from the teams who administer our funding programmes."

"Whether you've never applied for a grant before, you're developing a project and need some guidance, or you've had an application turned down in the past, we'd encourage you to come along and find out how we can help."

Grant programmes attending (subject to confirmation)

Culture Fund - This team will not be present at this event, but you can contact the team and find out more by following this link - Culture grants 2026

Walking and Cycling Fund - A fund which aims to remove barriers and encourage more people to choose walking and cycling as an alternative to the private car. Most of this funding goes towards larger strategic projects, but there is a small amount available for local projects that increase active travel.

Small Grants Programme - A flexible grants programme supporting local voluntary, community, and not-for-profit organisations to deliver projects that benefit residents and strengthen communities. Funding can help groups develop activities, services, events, and community initiatives that address local needs. Up to £1000 can be given by Stroud District Council, find out more information - Community Grants

Stroud Funding - Stroud Funding is a programme where community ideas can come to life through crowdfunding, with local people donating to projects they want to support. If your project meets the eligibility criteria, it could receive up to £10,000 in match funding from Stroud District Council, capped at 50% of your crowdfunding target. For example, a project with a funding target of £3,000 could receive up to £1,500 from Stroud District Council. There are two rounds per year, one in Spring and one in Autumn. Find out more information - Stroud Funding - Home – Spacehive

Schools and Churchyards fund - This team will not be present at this event, but you can contact the team and find out more by following this link - Supporting you

Please note, places are limited and advance booking is required.