The latest round of grant funding for local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations – totalling £900,000 - has been announced.
For the next three years, Service Support Grants will provide crucial funding of £300,000 a year to local groups to deliver services that make a real difference including supporting people with their mental health, independent living, advice services, and helping residents through the cost-of-living crisis.
The Service Support Grants funding has significantly increased from the previous £167,400 a year budget - underscoring the Council’s commitment to community wellbeing, tackling inequality and reducing social isolation.
Councillor John Williams, Lead Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “We’ve almost doubled the funding available because we know how vital these services are. Every bid was carefully considered, and funding went to where it will have the biggest impact. These grants are a lifeline for many local organisations that provide critical services to residents of all ages. From mental health support to advice on managing the cost of living, these groups make a real difference every day. We are proud to continue investing in our communities and ensuring help reaches those who need it most.”
Grant recipients include:
- Cambridge and District Citizens Advice – £105,000 per year to provide free, confidential advice services to residents.
- Disability Huntingdonshire – £12,998 per year to support people with disabilities to live independently.
- Royston and District Community Transport (RDCT) – £7,000 per year to maintain accessible transport for those who need it most.
- Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre – £10,000 per year to deliver specialist support for survivors of sexual violence.
- Over Day Care – £30,000 per year to provide a transport and hospital discharge support service for older residents.
- Support Cambridgeshire (CCVS) – £20,000 per year to strengthen the voluntary and community sector in the district.
- Hope Against Poverty CIC – £14,400 per year to provide a Wellbeing Programme for people experiencing anxiety, bereavement, or social isolation.
Other organisations receiving funding are
Young people - Blue Smile children’s mental health charity; Cambridge Acorn Project supporting children who have experienced trauma; Home-Start home-visiting services; Ormiston Families helping families facing adversity; Romsey Mill to deliver youth work; Turtle Dove to improve mental health, wellbeing, and employment outcomes for young women; Waterbeach and Landbeach Action for Youth for youth club sessions.
All Ages - CamSight helping people of all ages with low vision and blindness; Reach Community Projects supporting families facing poverty as well preventing others from falling into it
Older residents - Care Network Cambridgeshire to help continue and expand support for Community Car Schemes; Sew Positive using sewing to help address mental health challenges, social isolation, or economic inequality; The Voluntary Network helping older residents maintain independence.
The 2026-2029 funding allocations were awarded following a rigorous assessment process, ensuring funds are directed where they will have the greatest impact.
The funding was agreed by our Lead Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr John Wiilliams, following review and recommendations from a meeting of the Grants Advisory Committee.
View all news