Housing developers cash to feed back into Harrogate community thanks to town council
Harrogate Town Council is showing how keen it is to support organisations and projects that make a positive contribution to the town by launching a brand new £74k grants programme.
Inspired by the Vision & Values document it devised last October, Harrogate Town Council’s scheme will offer funding to local charities, community groups and voluntary organisations working to improve the lives of residents across Harrogate parish, with grants of up to £5,000 on offer.
Only launched a year ago, the Lib Dem run town council says there will be two funding pots available for the 2026/27 period, funded at least in part by contributions from housing developers.
General grants (£24,045) for community activities and small projects.
An Infrastructure/Capital pot (£50,000) supporting infrastructure, capital and community facility projects.
Formally constituted community, voluntary, charitable and not-for-profit organisations, usually based within the Harrogate Town Council boundary, can apply for the grants scheme.
Individual awards will not normally exceed £5,000.
Mayor of Harrogate, Councillor Viv Poskitt, said: "Community organisations are at the heart of what makes Harrogate such a special place to live.
"They provide support, opportunities and services that improve people’s lives and help bring communities together.
"We are particularly pleased that a significant proportion of the funding is being made available through developer contributions, ensuring that investment linked to new development can be directed back into our communities."
In total, £50,000 of the total funding available comes from developer (Community Infrastructure Levy) contributions associated with new housing developments in the Harrogate area; secured to help communities respond to growth and increased demand on local facilities and services.
The remaining £24,045 comes from the Town Council’s general grants fund.
Applications will be accepted up to September 15, 2026.
They will then be considered at a Harrogate Town Council committee meeting on November 11, with applicants advised of outcomes by the end of November 2026.
Grants must normally be spent within two years by November 30, 2028.
Anyone who needs help applying, or the application form in an alternative format, is askes to email [email protected] or call 01423 642542.
For more information, visit: https://harrogatetowncouncil.gov.uk/the-council/grants/