Community Chest grants boost local organisations to the tune of more than £12,000

Free DJ classes for children, football goal posts and woodland bird boxes are among local initiatives awarded grants through South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Community Chest grants scheme.

Eight local groups have been awarded a share of more than £12,000 in the latest round of funding, designed to help community initiatives continue to make a meaningful impact on residents.

Cllr Henry Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Communities for South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Community groups are the backbone of our local area, bringing people of all ages together and providing essential services. The Community Chest funding ensures that organisations at the heart of our communities can continue their incredible work, making a real difference to people.”

The latest Community Chest funding recipients are:

• Mix Music DJ – for two additional controllers allowing more young people in Melbourn and surrounding areas to participate in free DJ and music sessions. These sessions provide skills development, mental health support, and confidence building for under-18s. Grant of £2,000.
• Great and Little Eversden Parish Council – for a new interpretation sign in Fossey Field, providing visitors with historical and ecological information about the biodiversity meadow. The sign will include a QR code linking to further details online. Grant of £825
• Cottenham United Colts FC – support to buy a pair of full-sized football goals to accommodate the club’s growing number of players. The club has nearly 400 children across 24 teams and will conduct fundraising activities to cover the remaining purchase costs. Grant of £2,000.
• Graveley Parish Council – improving the village hall’s heating efficiency and sound insulation The funding will go towards helping to insulate the walls to make the space more welcoming for community events and gatherings. Grant of £2,000.
• Over Sports FC – the grant will help replace damaged football goals, ensuring the club can continue providing opportunities for local players aged 16 and over. The new goals will also be accessible to other local teams and the community centre. Grant of £2,000.
• Sew Positive – a programme of sewing activities, including skills training for Ukrainian refugees, a community sewing café, a trip out, and an event in Papworth Everard library to reduce social isolation and promote sustainable textile practices. Grant of £2,000.
• Longstowe Parish Council – repainting the village sign and replacing two damaged notice boards. The project aims to restore a key symbol of the village’s identity while using eco-friendly materials to ensure long-term sustainability. Grant of £1,493.50.
• Carlton cum Willingham Churchyard Conservation Group – nest boxes and a bird bath to enhance biodiversity in St. Peter’s Churchyard, providing safe habitats for birds and other wildlife and enhancing the church yard which is available for the local community to enjoy. Grant of £164.

This latest round of Community Chest funding reflects the Council’s commitment to sustaining grassroots initiatives and supporting a stronger, more connected community. By investing in these organisations, the district ensures that local people continue to benefit from essential services, social opportunities, and support networks.

Community Chest grant funding is available to voluntary and community sector groups, charities and public sector bodies wishing to further improve quality of life in South Cambridgeshire. For more information visit the webpage.