Staffordshire County Council's Community Fund has supported 234 community projects across the county with £144,211 in funding allocated through county councillors.
The investment generated significant additional value, with every £1 awarded helping unlock projects worth a combined £5.57 in total project value — meaning the fund's contribution leveraged projects worth more than £802,000 overall.
Projects supported by the fund
Burntwood Town Council's Play in the Parks programme received funding to provide free holiday activities, games and refreshments for families during school breaks.
Walk Talk Action used its award to deliver workshops, wellbeing walks and peer support sessions for people experiencing poor mental health, isolation and low wellbeing. The project supports more than 60 residents each week reconnecting with their communities.
At Silverdale Primary Academy, the funding transformed an unused outdoor space into the Innovation Patch — a learning environment featuring a sensory garden, nature kitchen and water play area now used daily by pupils.
The Tolkien in Great Haywood project received support towards creating a new heritage trail, information boards and promotional materials celebrating the village's connection with J.R.R. Tolkien and encouraging community pride in local culture and history.
The Help A Squaddie scheme also benefited from funding, enabling veterans to access regular exercise, inclusive physical activity and group sessions that promote resilience, confidence and social connection.
What the council says
Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said: "Across Staffordshire, volunteers, community groups and local organisations are having a hugely positive impact on the lives of Staffordshire residents and I'm delighted to see our fund contributing to this.
"I'm particularly pleased to see such a range of projects supported including those that improve people's wellbeing, tackle isolation, create new opportunities for young people and enhance the places where people live. Local councillors know their areas very well and are well placed to direct the funding to support or kick start projects that can make a difference in local communities."
How to apply
The 2026 Community Fund is available until November. Each county councillor has an allocation of £2,500. Community groups should contact their local county councillor before making an application, which can be done on the community fund webpage.
The Community Fund report will be discussed at a meeting of full council on Thursday 16 July and can be viewed on the council website.