Round 6b of the Community Fund is now open for applications from the Ham and Petersham Neighbourhood Plan area.

Eligible organisations can apply for up to £20,000 funding towards projects which are infrastructure-based and aimed at relieving the demands placed on a local area by new development.

The Community Fund is the name given to the neighbourhood element of the Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL).

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge which can be levied by local authorities on new development in their area.

From the total CIL collected, 15% is dedicated to the ‘neighbourhood’ of the development for local people to develop infrastructure projects that address the demands that the new development places on the area.

In Ham and Petersham, where a Neighbourhood Plan has been developed, 25% of the CIL collected is dedicated to the locality. A total fund of £121,509 is available in this round.

The funding must be used to fund 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.

Examples of demands that development may place on an area include:

• the need to counter the loss of biodiversity and other negative effects on the environment caused by development, including pollution
• issues related to high population density such as heightened crime, including antisocial behaviour and littering, and pressure on waste management and food production systems
• the need for community cohesion to support different communities to share spaces and resources
• the need for community venues for events, activities and other opportunities
• the need for activities that support education, culture, and physical and mental wellbeing in the area
• the need for high-quality outdoor space, especially where outdoor space is being lost during development
• the need to facilitate safe and easy movement through the area, such as good walking routes, cycle paths and community bus services
• an increased cost of living and impact on community assets

There is a two-stage application process:

• expression of interest – to be submitted by 5pm on 23 March 2026
• decisions on expressions of interest should be given by early May 2026
• main application by invitation only – to be submitted by 5pm on Monday 20 July 2026
• outcome of main applications to be advised early December 2026.

Any questions about the Community Fund can be emailed to voluntarysector@richmond.gov.uk.

Richmond CVS can help to develop and review applications before they are submitted. Please contact us in good time for any deadlines if you would like our assistance by emailing action@richmondcvs.org.uk.  

For full details and guidance, visit the Richmond Council Community Fund webpage here.