Applications Now Open for Ashington Town Council's 2026–27 Grant Funding
Ashington Town Council has launched its 2026–27 grant funding programme, with a total of £75,000 available to support the vital work of local community groups, sports clubs, and charitable organisations throughout the town.
Approved by the Finance and General Services Committee, the funding is delivered through two dedicated schemes designed to meet the varied needs of Ashington's voluntary and community sector.
Annual Grant Aid Programme – Up to £5,000
The Annual Grant Aid programme is the Council's flagship funding scheme, offering grants of up to £5,000 to support organisations delivering projects or ongoing activities. This scheme is aimed at those who can demonstrate meaningful and measurable benefit to the town and its residents.
Ashington Town Council has long been recognised as a generous and community-focused Council. We are proud of the support we provide and remain fully committed to ensuring that funding continues to be accessible to the many organisations doing outstanding work across our town — from sports clubs and youth groups to charities and volunteer-led services.
Small Grant Fund – Up to £500
The Small Grant Fund provides quick-access support of up to £500 for smaller, grassroots projects that make a real difference. With four funding rounds per year, this scheme offers flexibility and responsiveness, supporting initiatives that are often volunteer-led and low-cost but high in community impact.
Watch out for the first round of small grant funding coming up in May 2026.
Guidance, Monitoring and Due Diligence
The Council continues to operate with the guidance introduced last year, reflecting our ongoing responsibility to manage public funds carefully and transparently — ensuring due diligence, consistency, and clarity for both applicants and decision-makers.and Application forms for both grant schemes are available to complete online, or to print and send - we want to ensure the means to apply is accessible.
Monitoring requirements remain in place for recipients of Annual Grant Aid. Organisations receiving grants of £2,500 or more will be asked to provide a mid-project update before receiving final payment, ensuring funds are used as intended and demonstrating the value of projects to the wider community. An evaluation will also be requested at the end of this financial year in 2027, for all annual grants.
The eligibility and prioritisation framework introduced continues to guide the assessment of small grants, particularly where demand exceeds available funds.
The Council recognises that a cap remains in place on annual grant applications. While this enables funding to be distributed more widely and in line with available resources, we appreciate this may affect some organisations. Any group experiencing significant financial hardship as a result is encouraged to get in touch — we are here to listen and support where we can.
Who Can Apply
Both schemes are open to voluntary, community, and not-for-profit organisations based in Ashington that deliver services for Ashington residents. This includes sports clubs and community associations, youth groups and arts organisations, charitable trusts and volunteer groups, and organisations supporting disadvantaged or vulnerable residents. The Council particularly welcomes collaborative applications and partnerships between local groups that demonstrate strong community impact.
Funding Priorities
Applications will be assessed with regard to projects addressing gaps in local provision, initiatives tackling inequality and promoting inclusion, activities that build community cohesion, projects preserving culture and heritage, activities developing community skills and capacity, and programmes that are open and accessible to all.
How to Apply
Invitations open today, Wednesday 15th April 2026, for the Annual Grant Aid programme, applications must be submitted by Friday 22 May, with decisions taken at a meeting on Tuesday 9 June 2026.
The Small Grant Fund operates with four deadlines per year (May, July, October and January), with decisions made at Officer level within 10 working days of each round closing.
Application forms and detailed guidance are available on our website via the link below:
Ashington Town Council – Grants and Funding
Organisations are encouraged to contact the Council early for support with their applications or to seek advice on required policies. We want to work with local groups to build capacity, strengthen resilience, and support community activity across Ashington.
Please contact Engagement and Events Officer, Sharon Parmley, on (01670) 624521 or email admin@ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk
COMMING SOON! Ashington Town Council is proud to announce the iminent release of three short films celebrating the incredible local groups and organisations that have received grant funding through our Annual Grant and Small Grant programmes in 2025–2026. Produced by the talented team at Luk Luk Productions, these films shine a deserved spotlight on the vital work being carried out across the town, and the positive difference that Council funding is making to the lives of residents.
