The Cheshire West and Chester Council has opened applications for its new Community Investment Fund, designed to bolster preventative, community-led initiatives throughout the borough. The fund aims to support residents at an earlier stage, strengthen communities, and reduce or delay the need for statutory services.
A total of £897,000 is available for the 2026/27 period. This comprises £425,000 from the Council's own funding and an additional £472,000 sourced from the UK Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund.
The fund focuses on three key priority areas: Strong Start, which supports early help and stability for children, young people, and families; Healthy and Independent Living, promoting community-based activities to help adults remain connected and well; and Financial and Community Resilience, aimed at enhancing household stability and crisis response.
The initial application round will concentrate on specific priorities outlined in the published guidance on the Council’s website. Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise organisations, along with community groups, are eligible to apply if their proposals align with these priorities and meet the application requirements. Applications can be submitted individually or as part of a partnership, with one organisation acting as the lead applicant via the Council’s online platform, Plinth.
An in-person application support session is scheduled for Thursday, 22 October 2026, from 1pm to 3pm at the Ellesmere Port Library Committee Room. Further details on booking and additional support opportunities can be found on the Community Investment Fund webpage.
Separate support, including crisis payments and heating oil assistance, funded through the Crisis and Resilience Fund, will continue independently of the Community Investment Fund. Enquiries can be directed to CIF@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.
