£3 million boost for communities across the East Midlands

Communities across the region are set to benefit from a major funding boost after the Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, announced the first projects to receive support from her £3 million Community Development Fund.

Launched last year by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), the fund targets 10 priority areas where communities face high levels of disadvantage and have fewer established voluntary and community organisations.

Each selected area has now received up to £300,000 to deliver locally designed projects aimed at building skills, strengthening resilience and helping residents shape the future of their own neighbourhoods.

Mayor Claire said:

I’m incredibly proud to announce the first projects supported by my Community Development Fund.

This fund is about backing people who know their communities best. By investing in local ideas, local leadership and local ambition, we’re giving communities the tools and confidence to take control of their future. This is long-term investment in people, not short-term fixes.

Funding across Derby

Two priority areas in Derby will share more than £850,000.

Normanton

• Sporting Communities – £296,766 for Normanton Together, using Normanton Park as a hub to create inclusive spaces.

• 176 Project Nile Scouts (Derby) – £296,766 to refurbish the Scout Hut.

Arboretum

• Community Action Derby – £257,507 for Arboretum Matters, including £100,000 in match-funded grants for over 20 grassroots groups and training for 45 community leaders.

Funding across Nottingham

Two wards in Nottingham will share more than £560,000.

Bestwood

• The Bestwood Partnership – £270,223 for The BEST Step Forward, providing employability support, welfare advice and youth mentoring.

Dales

• The Renewal Trust – £291,929 for Dales Doing It Together, focused on cleaner, safer and more connected neighbourhoods.

Support across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

Gamesley, Glossop

• The Bureau – £191,570 for a new Gamesley Wellbeing Hub, bringing health, sport, learning and volunteering under one roof.

Cotmanhay, Derbyshire

• Parkside High CIC – £224,307 for Future Cotmanhay, increasing volunteering and communication across the area.

Leamington, Sutton-in-Ashfield

• Academy Transformation Trust – £228,634 to revitalise Willets Court Community Centre.

Market Warsop

• Warsop Parish Council – £252,868 for Future Warsop, improving youth facilities and creating a new family-friendly community park.

Smaller grants have also been awarded, with funding allocated to Shirebrook North and Worksop South-East. EMCCA continues to work with partners to confirm further successful bids.

Mayor Claire added:

My commitment as Mayor is simple: opportunity should not depend on where you live. This fund is one way we’re making sure every part of the East Midlands has the chance to grow, thrive and shape its own future.

At my engagement events, people told me they wanted to help unlock the East Midlands’ potential. My Community Development Fund is about making sure that potential isn’t capped by postcode – and that every community has the chance to thrive.