Community Asset Fund

The Community Asset Fund is a grant scheme designed to support not-for-profit groups and organisations across Test Valley, to acquire new or improve existing community assets.

Not-for- profit groups and charitable organisations can apply for a grant of up to 50% of the cost of a project, with the maximum award being £25,000 and minimum of £2,000.

Who can apply?

  • Not-for-profit community groups
  • Charitable organisations
  • Community buildings and asset management committees
  • Community associations
  • Parish and Town Councils
  • Schools (only for facilities with formal community access).

If your organisation is not listed above, please do get in touch to check if you are eligible.

What is an eligible community project?

  • Community assets and buildings - new assets or enhancement of existing facilities
  • Climate change – projects which enhance community assets in order to reduce carbon emissions and/or address climate change
  • Environmental - projects which enhance community assets in a way that improves the environment and/or biodiversity
  • Inclusivity – community projects which improve accessibility
  • Play and recreation - new assets or enhancement of existing community facilities
  • Public art - new public art in communities
  • Sports - new assets or the enhancement of existing community facilities.

If your project is not listed above, please do get in touch to check if it is eligible.

What can be applied for?

  • Up to 50% of the total activity or project cost
  • The minimum award is £2,000 - so only projects costing £4,000 and more are eligible
  • There is no maximum project cost, but maximum grant award is £25,000.

When can I apply?

The 2025/26 Community Asset Fund will include 3 rounds. The deadlines for applying, application review meetings and outcome confirmation dates, are as follows:

**Applications must be received by 23:00 on the application deadline day (listed below) to qualify**

Round Application deadline Application review Application outcome
1 Mon 16 June 2025  Wed 16 July 2025  Fri 01 Aug 2025
2 Mon 22 Sept 2025  Wed 22 Oct 2025 Fri 07 Nov 2025
3 Mon 12 Jan 2026   Wed 11 Feb 2026 Fri 27 Feb 2026

Please note: Funding cannot be awarded retrospectively, so before applying you should be sure that no work will begin prior to the date you receive confirmation of your application outcome.   

How do I apply?

  • Carefully read the Community Asset Fund Guidance
  • Please contact the Community Engagement Officer for your ward to discuss your project and establish whether it is eligible. All Community Engagement Officer contact details can be found here: Community Engagement Officers
  • Click the ‘Apply for a Community Asset Fund Grant’ link below to begin an application
  • It is important to let the Borough Councillors for your ward to know of your plans. Councillor contact details can be found here: Your Councillors

APPLY FOR A COMMUNITY ASSET FUND GRANT