Communities Together Fund

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council recognises the vital importance of our communities and the wider Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in the Borough.

These organisations and groups will work closely with our communities and residents offering support, guidance and activities that are personalised, local, inclusive, and enable people in Stockton-on-Tees to live healthier and happier.

We want to support the sector to thrive and grow and are pleased to announce our new small grant funding to support our communities to come together.

Fund aims

The fund will support local voluntary and community groups and initiatives based or working in the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees. The funding could be used to help with set up costs to kickstart a new group or activity that meets the following themes:

• opportunities to bring people together and reduce loneliness and improve health and wellbeing
• projects that increase community cohesion
• projects or events that support their communities with the rising cost of living
• supporting people in the community to develop new skills and provide volunteering opportunities
• to support emerging groups and organisations to become established in the borough

Who can apply?

To apply you must:

• be a VCSE group based in Stockton-on-Tees, particularly small based local groups, that encourage community spirit, engage volunteers and who need some financial support
• have a bank account with two signatories (not at the same address), the account must be in the name of the voluntary and community group - if there is no bank account in the organisation's name, please contact us at engagement@stockton.gov.uk before applying
• be an organisation with a constitution

Examples of what we won't fund:

• religious or political activities
• loans
• repayment of loans
• expenses
• private businesses
• applications where planning permission hasn't already been agreed (where applicable)

Evidence of outcomes

If you are successful we will require evidence of the outcomes that the fund has contributed to, for example:

• number of volunteers
• number of people taking part in activities and if this has increased
• details of engagement with the community
• case studies of how the funding has helped your communities

How much can I apply for?

You can apply for funds up to a maximum of £250 within a six month period.

Applications will be assessed by the Community Engagement Team.

There is no deadline to apply. Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis until the total available funding has been allocated.

Apply for the Communities Together Fund

Organisations we have supported

We are pleased to have supported the following organisations through the Communities Together Fund so far:

• BCT Aspire Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
• Bizi Studios
• Butterflies
• Catalyst Stockton
• Challoner Community Association
• Christ the King Primary School
• Cleveland Boxing Club Community Interest Company (CIC)
• Creative Village CIC
• Cubing Corner
• High Clarence Primary Academy
• Hope Church Centre
• Little Flowers Baby and Toddler Group
• Make and Mingle - All Saints Church
• Norton Grange Community Support Group
• Norton Methodist Church Community Pantry
• NPCAT St Patrick's Catholic College
• Phoenix Counselling and Therapy Services CIC
• Purple Door Studio CIC
• Rosie Crafters
• Starfish Health and Wellbeing
• Stockton-on-Tees Sea Cadets
• Support ME CIC
• Tees Community Sports CIC
• The Christmas Dinner Middlesbrough & Teesside
• The Neuro Families Network
• Thornaby Methodist Church
• Yarm Wellness

Contact us

If you have any queries or would like further information, please contact the Community Engagement team on 01642 528830 or email engagement@stockton.gov.uk.