Community groups invited to apply for new Community Investment Fund

Community and voluntary groups across West Northamptonshire are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to £7,500 as West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) launches a new Community Investment Fund to support local projects that help improve health and wellbeing.

The fund, which opened on 21 January 2026, is designed to support initiatives that build on local strengths and enhance community assets within each  Local Area Partnership (LAP) or neighbourhoods within a LAP.    

The Community Investment fund priorities will be approach based rather than thematic and seeks to support projects that:

• Demonstrate a place-based approach (across a LAP area or neighbourhood within a LAP)  
• Encourage collaboration between organisations, partners and local residents  
• Demonstrates meaningful engagement with residents and community voice
• Uses an asset-based community development approach, a community led approach to development that focuses on existing strengths and assets  
• Improve health, wellbeing and quality of life  

The fund is open to Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations, Town and Parish Councils, and community groups working in partnership with these bodies, where an eligible partner can act as the accountable organisation.

“Local people and organisations are best placed to understand the opportunities and challenges within their own neighbourhoods. This fund is about supporting those ideas and empowering communities to take the lead on what matters to them. I encourage groups across West Northants to come forward and apply so we can continue to help our neighbourhoods thrive.”Cllr Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care at West Northamptonshire Council

Applicants will need to demonstrate how residents have influenced the project, provide evidence of partnership working, and show a strengths based approach that builds on the assets already within their community.  

To request an application form and accompanying guidance, email [email protected]. 

Forms can be requested until Friday 20 February, with the fund opening on Wednesday 21 January and the final deadline for submitting applications on Thursday 26 February. All funding allocations will be confirmed by the end of March 2026.