Wealden District Council offers support to the community and voluntary sector and can give assistance on all of the topics on this page, except for grants available to individuals. For advice and information please use the contact information at the bottom of this page.
In the community grants section you can find guidance on Wealden’s own grant funding programme, groups who have received awards this year, village and community facility help and East Sussex Community Information Service (ESCIS).
Tackling Inequalities Fund
The fourth round of funding as part of the Tackling Inequalities Through Physical Activity programme is now open!
East Sussex Public Health has released funds to Wealden District Council to deliver a fourth round of grant funding to support organisations who specifically work towards reducing inequalities and aim to deliver better health outcomes within the district. The funding will support new activities, services or an expansion of an existing physical activity programme, which provide direct support to the local community. Anything from gardening clubs to seated exercise sessions and more!
Previous rounds of funding over the past three years has provided funding to seventeen organisations within the district. These include The Good Company People which increases fitness levels through exercise for over 65s, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) which provides residents with practical conservation activities to increase mental wellbeing through a Green Gym project, and Rotherfield St Martin which has used the funding to support hydrotherapy sessions helping those with arthritis, stiffness of joints and those recovering from hip or knee surgery.
If you would like more information, please email wellbeing@wealden.gov.uk and we will forward you on the application form and links.
Applications will be prioritised in order of the ability to deliver activities and interventions to Wealden. Applications must be submitted by 30th January 2026 and can be made for amounts up to £5000. Funds must be spent by 1st November 2026.
Community Orchards Fund
The Wealden Community Orchard Fund (Round Two) offers grants of up to £3,500 to support projects that create, restore, or enhance community orchards across Wealden. Eligible applicants include community groups, schools, parish councils, charities, and similar organizations. Funding can be used for planting new orchards, reviving neglected ones, hosting educational or community events, and adding biodiversity features.
Applications are open until 30 January 2026, with projects to be completed by March 2027.
To apply, request an application pack by emailing sustainability@wealden.gov.uk and review the guidance document on the Wealden Climate Change Hub: https://www.wealden.gov.uk/climate-change/wealden-community-orchard-fund-round-two/
Wealden Community Lottery
The Wealden Community Lottery is an online fundraising solution designed to help local organisations to diversify their fundraising streams and enable year-round fundraising in a safe, fun and effective way.
Wealden Sports Infrastructure Fund
Details about the Wealden District Council Sports Infrastructure Fund.
Wealden Community Led Infrastructure Fund (CLIF)
A new £2million fund has been launched by Wealden District Council, to support community buildings, green spaces, cultural infrastructure and other leisure/ sports projects across the district.
The money could be spent on adaptations to community buildings, energy efficiency measures, access improvements to outdoor spaces and installing new facilities and equipment.
If you have any queries about the Scheme please contact CLIF@wealden.gov.uk.
More details about the Wealden Community Led Infrastructure Fund (CLIF)
WDC Councillor Ward Budgets Scheme
The first Phase of the Scheme will run until 31 March 2026.
This new community grant funding scheme is an initiative launched by us to give each elected councillor a budget of £10,000 to support community projects, events and organisations within their ward.
The scheme is open to non-profit community and voluntary organisations to apply for a grant of up to £5,000 in support of projects that will benefit Wealden residents and help deliver the Council’s strategic priorities.
If you have any queries about the Scheme please email CouncillorWardBudgets@wealden.gov.uk
New Wealden Community Grants 2025-2028 Awarded
A list of the organisations and amounts that have been awarded grants through the new Community Grants programme for the next three years.
East Sussex 4 Communities
East Sussex funding directory that promotes external funding opportunities.
East Sussex Community Information Service
Online database of local and community information about local organisations, clubs and societies in East Sussex (compiled by ESCIS – East Sussex Community Information Service).
Wealden Funding Database
Wealden District Council sends a monthly newsletter that details new funding opportunities and events. If you wish to be sent this information on a monthly basis, please get in touch on communitygrants@wealden.gov.uk.
Funding Advice for Local Organisations
If you are a local charity, community group, community interest company, sports club or other local organisation that’s seeking advice on funding opportunities, organisational structure or training opportunities, please contact 3VA , a local Voluntary Action group that provides a wide range of development support to groups working across Wealden District.
Funding Advice for Village Halls and Community Spaces
If you are a local village hall or community space that’s seeking general advice or funding and training opportunities, please contact Action in Rural Sussex, an independent charity that exists for all people living in rural areas of Sussex.