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Neighbourhood CIL funding

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Neighbourhood CIL funding

Local charities, community groups, sports clubs and other not-for-profit organisations are invited to apply for funding for projects that support the needs of Farnham’s growing population.

The £500,000 grant pot has been funded by Farnham’s share of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which is a charge imposed on qualifying new developments in Farnham.

Farnham Town Council receives 25% of CIL collected within its area and wants to make more of this funding accessible to organisations that can deliver projects directly for the benefit of local people.

How the money can be spent

Projects must support the development of the town council area, or any part of it, by funding:

  • the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure; or
  • anything else that is concerned with addressing the demands that development places on an area.

‘Infrastructure’ is defined broadly. It includes roads and other transport facilities, flood defences, schools and other educational facilities, medical facilities, sporting and recreational facilities, and open spaces. Government guidance confirms that the neighbourhood share can also be spent on things that are not strictly infrastructure, provided they address the demands that development places on the area.

Your application must show how the project helps Farnham cope with growth eg more people using a facility, space or route; new needs arising from new homes; or added pressure on existing community assets. This is the most important part of any application. A good project that has no link to the demands of development cannot be funded from CIL, though it may be eligible for our other grant schemes.

Examples of projects that may be suitable

  • play areas, outdoor gym and youth facilities
  • sports pitches, pavilions, changing rooms and other recreational facilities
  • improving community halls and buildings to increase capacity or accessibility (for example ramps, accessible toilets, extensions, hearing loops)
  • footpaths, cycle routes, cycle parking, way-finding and public seating
  • green space, tree planting, biodiversity and habitat improvements
  • local flood and drainage improvements
  • public-access defibrillators and community safety measures
  • heritage, cultural and learning facilities that are open to the public

Projects which cannot be funded

The following are examples of projects which cannot be funded:

  • projects that have already started or been completed
  • ongoing running costs, salaries, or routine maintenance and repair
  • VAT that your organisation can reclaim
  • firework displays, carnivals, Christmas lighting, grounds maintenance, verge mowing or hedge cutting, and improvements to existing allotment sites such as locker rooms or toilets
  • projects that mainly benefit an individual or a profit-distributing business
  • activities promoting a political party or campaign, or promoting religious belief
  • contributions to reserves, repayment of debts or loans, or fundraising costs
  • stand-alone feasibility studies although design and professional fees forming part of a larger capital project that takes place are proposed to be eligible within the normal CIL application limits
  • projects that conflict with our policies or the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan
  • projects outside the town council area, unless they clearly support the development of the Farnham area or substantially benefit Farnham residents.

Who can apply

Applications are welcome from not-for-profit organisations including:

  • registered charities and charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs)
  • constituted community and voluntary groups, residents’ associations and sports clubs
  • community interest companies (CICs) and other bodies with an asset lock
  • schools and other public bodies, for facilities that will be open to the wider community
  • faith organisations, for community facilities and services open to all

Applications must come from the organisation that will deliver the project, not from an individual. Membership organisations must show that the wider community will benefit and can use the facility. A small group without a formal constitution may apply through an established organisation that agrees to hold and account for the funds.

How much you can apply for

Three levels of funding are available.

  • Micro awards of £500 to £10,000
  • Small awards of £10,001 to £25,000 and
  • Standard awards of £25,001 and above.

For larger projects please talk to us before applying. Larger projects may be better handled as a partnership with Farnham Town Council, or through Waverley/West Surrey Council’s strategic CIL process.

Applicants will need to show that they have looked at other sources first, including their own reserves. Volunteer time and donated materials can count towards your contribution; please put a reasonable value on them.

When to apply

The fund is open. Please submit applications for Small and Standard awards by 3 January 2027. Decisions will be made at the Full Council meeting on 11 March.

You can apply for a Micro award at any time of the year.

An organisation that receives an award from this CIL fund may not apply again until 12 months after the date of that award (6 months for statutory bodies).

Apply for funding

Please refer to the guidance notes when completing an application form.
Download and complete the application form for Small and Standard awards.

Questions and queries

If you have a question or query or would like to discuss an idea for funding, please call us on 01252 712667 or email [email protected].