Community groups in Rutland can apply for grants of up to £2,000 from next month to support projects tackling loneliness and improving wellbeing in rural areas.

Rutland County Council has launched the new small grants programme to strengthen voluntary and community activity across the county.

The funding aims to reduce rural isolation, strengthen community capacity and support community-led health and wellbeing initiatives across Rutland.

Grants of between £500 and £2,000 are available to grassroots voluntary and community groups delivering local projects that reduce loneliness and social isolation while strengthening volunteer networks.

Projects can also focus on improving access to health and wellbeing activities, supporting vulnerable residents and improving access to welfare support.

The programme is funded through public health, Rutland's Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Rutland County Council, and is specifically aimed at supporting activity within rural communities.

Only groups that meet the council's eligibility criteria and operate within Rutland can apply, and successful projects must be delivered within the 2026 to 2027 financial year.

"Our new small grants programme aims to give community organisations a boost and allow them to do more," said Cllr Tim Smith, Cabinet Member for Children and Families.

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"We're fortunate in Rutland that we have lots of community groups and volunteers who make it their mission to help people.

"Many of these groups are working to achieve the same outcomes as public health and care services. Like us, they want to help people stay healthy and well.

"By giving small grants to these community organisations, we hope to strengthen and increase the support that's available to people throughout Rutland. We're excited to hear from these groups about how our funding could help them."

Applications for Rutland's community small grants programme open from Monday 4 May 2026 and close on Friday 22 May 2026.

You can apply here.