Available funding for communities and business

We have several funding schemes for communities and businesses.

Community Infrastructure Levy

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge that developers pay when they build new homes, annexes, or create large extensions.

Some of the money collected is used to fund local infrastructure like playground improvements, school bike shelters, the installation of defibrillators, and solar panels for village halls.

The purpose of the levy is to make sure that new developments help pay for the extra services and infrastructure they will need, rather than putting the burden on existing residents and taxpayers.

UK Rural England Prosperity Fund, Community Grant Scheme and Supporting Local Business Grant Scheme

We have been allocated a total of £107,000 of funding from the government's UK Rural England Prosperity Fund (UK REPF) to support local businesses, and community initiatives for the financial year 2025-2026.

The allocation of the government fund is to be administered by us.

Community groups and businesses can apply to the council for grants to fund capital projects, for example, to improve buildings or buy necessary equipment.

Find out more information about these grants and how to apply.

General community grant

This community grant scheme aims to support local organisations who enhance the lives of residents and support our corporate priorities. There are two types of community grants:

revenue grants, to help with the day-to-day running costs
capital grants, to help towards the construction or improvement of a building or facility

Funding supports initiatives and organisations ranging from youth programmes and environmental projects to vital services for vulnerable residents, such as mental health and dementia, as well as supporting community transport schemes, physical activities, and the arts and culture.

The current application window for the community grant scheme is closed.

Community-led housing fund

We offer funding to support the creation of affordable homes led by local communities across the New Forest.

Community-led housing is housing developed by local people, for local people. Communities take the lead in planning, building, and managing homes that meet local needs.

Types of community-led housing include:

Community Land Trusts (CLTs)
co-operative housing
co-housing
group or community self-builds
projects that bring empty properties back into use
housing led by town or parish councils, or special interest groups

These projects can be based on location (like a parish) or shared interests (like commoners housing).

Find out more about the community led housing fund.

Community engagement grants

Each of our councillors has an amount of £1,000 to allocate, at their discretion, to address local needs within their communities where small-scale improvements can potentially make a big difference.

Find out more about community engagement grants.