Dartford Big Local

Dartford Big Local Grant Scheme

Dartford is one of 150 areas across England chosen to be part of Local Trust’s innovative Big Local programme that aims to achieve lasting change by providing a mixture of funding and support. 

There are two grant schemes:

  • Small grants offer up to £5,000.
  • Large grants offer between £5,001 and £20,000.

Match funding is not a requirement.  Grants must be spent within nine months of them being awarded.

The aim is to offer grants for activities which support the following objectives:

Positive attitudes and opportunities to foster a “can-do” mentality within the area by encouraging residents to take responsibility for change within the area.

For example: 

  • Skills training,
  • Employability training,
  • Skills for social enterprise or charitable organizations (food hygiene, first aid, marketing, business planning, CV writing workshops),
  • Self-esteem coaching
  • Support with accessing career goals.

Physical improvement of public facilities / community assets within the Dartford Big Local catchment area.

For example:

  • Beautifying an uncared for public space,
  • Small scale renovation of indoor spaces (painting, decorating, equipment),
  • Outdoor creative arts projects,
  • Street art projects,
  • Garden and green space projects,
  • Heritage projects,
  • Outdoor exhibitions or art installations.

Social activities for residents of every age group to reduce social isolation and promote community cohesion.

For example:

  • Supper clubs,
  • Community lunches,
  • Events,
  • Children and family coach trips,
  • Street parties,
  • Fetes,
  • Theatre, museum and cinema trips,
  • Weekend activities and day trips,
  • Holiday socials.

Helping residents facing food insecurity

For example:

  • Cookery classes,
  • Information, advice and guidance services,
  • Food sharing services,
  • Food banks,
  • Baby bank,
  • Community fridges.

Improved physical and mental well-being.

For example:

  • Yoga,
  • Tai chi,
  • Zumba,
  • Dance classes,
  • Counselling,
  • Talking therapy,
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT),
  • Mentoring,
  • Sports and social activities for all age ranges,
  • Targeted sporting activities, training and mentoring for young people. 

We would also aim for grants to meet the needs of a range of communities, including:

  • Young people
  • Ethnic minorities
  • Families
  • Faith groups
  • LGBTQ+ community
  • Senior citizens
  • People with health conditions or impairments

Big Local Grant