Decision details

Decision

The Cabinet approved the proposed changes to the SK Community Fund which included amendments to grant levels and eligibility criteria. The proposed changes allowed for the Fund to re-launch for the 2026/27 financial year. It was also agreed to delegate authority to the Deputy Leader of the Council, in consultation with the Assistant Director for Leisure, Culture and Place, to make inconsequential amendments. 

Reasons for decision

The recommended changes would improve opportunities offered by the SK Community Fund.

Establishing an appropriate delegation to allow for the decision-making authority of the Assistant Director would ensure suitable governance.

The proposals for change were fully supported by the Rural and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting of 24th March 2026.

Other options considered

The Fund’s criteria could have remained unchanged. The proposed amendments, however, allowed for increased opportunities which would greatly benefit civil society within South Kesteven.

UK Shared Prosperity funding had proven a need for grants which supported larger projects; hence the reasoning provided around the proposed introduction of the Large Grants Fund. Statistical information from the existing SK Community showed that, in the previous two years, 69% of awards had been for grants of £2,000 and less, therefore providing evidence of need to continue the Small Grants Fund as proposed.