The Grants Advisory Committee met to discuss the allocation of grant funding to local organisations. The committee reviewed the 2024/25 Grants Summary Report and made recommendations to the Lead Cabinet Member for Resources regarding several Community Chest funding applications.

Community Chest Grant Applications

The committee reviewed several Community Chest applications received between 7 August 2025 and 8 September 2025. The Community Chest provides grant funding to voluntary and community sector groups, charities, and public sector bodies seeking to improve the quality of life in South Cambridgeshire¹. Applicants can apply for up to £2,000. The committee made the following recommendations to the Lead Cabinet Member for Resources:

• The Over Day Centre Association - The committee considered a request for £1,707.92 to install exterior awnings to extend the use of accessible gardens. Councillors Bill Handley and Daniel Lentell supported the application. The committee recommended that the application be approved for the full amount requested. The Over Day Centre supports clients in maintaining independence, social engagement, and physical mobility.
• Gamlingay Leisure (Community Gym and MUGA) - The committee considered a request for £1,332.99 for fitness equipment for the community gym. Councillor Bridget Smith supported the application. The committee recommended that the application be approved for the full amount requested. Gamlingay Leisure manages the Gamlingay Village Primary MUGA facility, which is available for hire by local groups outside of school hours.
• Hardwick Climate Action Group (HCAG) - The committee considered a request for £199 for all-weather speakers for the Hardwick and Dry Drayton Eco Event 2025. Councillor Lina Nieto supported the application. The committee recommended that the application be approved for the full amount requested. Hardwick Community Action Group is committed to promoting sustainable living and empowering local residents to take action on the climate emergency.
• Fen Drayton Bowls Club - The committee considered a request for £1,920 to cut 90 metres of hedge to ground level. Councillor Sue Ellington supported the application. The committee recommended that the application be approved for the full amount requested. Fen Drayton Bowls Club is affiliated with the Cambs and District Bowls League and the English Short Mat Bowls Association.
• Ickleton Cricket Club - The committee considered a request for £2,000 for the installation of a free-to-use, 2-lane all-weather practice net on Ickleton recreation ground. Councillor Peter McDonald supported the application. The committee recommended that the application be approved for the full amount requested. Ickleton Cricket Club offers training and match opportunities for men, women, and children.

2024/25 Grants Summary Report

The committee reviewed the 2024/25 Grants Summary Report, which provided an overview of the £2,434,637 in funding allocated by South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) to support local organisations operating within the district. The funding included:

• Funding provided through SCDC's own grant programmes
• Externally sourced funding managed by SCDC on behalf of partner organisations
• Procured services commissioned by SCDC using partner funding to deliver specific outcomes.

The report detailed the number of awards and the value of funding allocated through various grant schemes, including:

• Service Support Grants (£181,650)
• Mobile Warden Scheme Grants (£105,908)
• Community Chest Grants (£64,178.52)
• Zero Carbon Communities Grants (£122,500)
• EV Charge Point Grants (£5,000)
• Tenant Community Grants (£4,742)
• Long Term Health Conditions Grants (£9,340)
• Contribution to 'Support Cambridgeshire 4 Communities' funding platform (£4,000)
• Six Free Trees (£3,972.02)
• Community Growing Grants (£6,960)
• Homeless prevention contribution to Citizens Advice to support with specialist debt advice (£8,520)

The report also outlined funding managed by SCDC using contributions from partners, including the UK Shared Prosperity Fund² and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)³, as well as services provided by SCDC using partner contributions.