Last year, marking the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day, Stratford-on-Avon District Council launched its Community Grant Scheme to support valued community assets across the District. The Large Grant recipients of the Community Grant Scheme 2025 have been awarded, after fierce competition from 34 applications from across the district. Each was vying for a slice of the £300,000 funding pot for larger projects, after nearly £50,000 was distributed to three Small Grant projects earlier this year.

Applications were open to community groups, charities and town and parish councils to support their valuable community assets that deliver such vital services and contribute so much to the social fabric of our towns and villages.

The recipients of the Large Grant and their projects are: 

• Alcester Town Council - Refurbishment of the Kitchen at the Eric Payne Community Centre - £26,624.13
• Beaudesert and Henley-in-Arden Joint Parish Council - Sensory and Inclusive Play Project at Jubilee Park and Riverlands play areas - £43,928.65
• Henley Memorial Trust - Henley Memorial Hall entrance hall improvements - £42,500
• Lighthorne Village Hall - Demolition and reconstruction of the North Annexe - £100,000
• Muntz Hall, Tanworth-in-Arden - Modernisation and sustainability upgrade to the Sports Clubhouse and Scout Hut exterior - £77,714.40

In total, the Community Grant Scheme received over £2 million in funding requests, demonstrating both the demand for support and the importance of shared community space across the District.

Cllr Liz Coles, Housing, Revenues and Customer Services Portfolio holder at the District Council, said: "The interest in this scheme, and the variety of projects supported, highlight the need for and importance of community assets across the District. We are pleased to have been able to support these vital community spaces, not only as social hubs but also as tributes to the generations who gave so much during the Second World War, both in service and on the home front. Unity, cooperation and mutual support within local communities were essential, as they continue to be today.

"By running this scheme, we have discovered a passionate and dedicated community, many of whom give their time voluntarily to improve their local area and create opportunities for others. We are proud to support these efforts and help sustain their impact for many years to come."

 The scheme supports local groups to enhance vital community services while contributing to the ambitions of the Growing Opportunities Plan and the Council Plan, particularly around reducing poverty, improving health and wellbeing, and helping residents reach their full potential. Funded projects will help ensure these valuable services can continue and grow for the benefit of local communities.

More details of each of the successful projects and their progress can be found here: Community Grant Scheme 2025 | Stratford-on-Avon District Council