Town Council Grants
Bude-Stratton Town Council (BSTC) is committed to supporting community groups and individuals who make a positive difference to Bude and Stratton Parish. The Town Council administers grants to local community and voluntary organisations which operate for the benefit of residents within the Parish, and which can demonstrate a clear need for financial support. Applications that demonstrate a diverse range of recipients are especially encouraged, and we also welcome applications that demonstrate they complement the BSTC strategic objectives, which can be found HERE. Applications are expected to show that the service provided is needed by the community, and that it has community support.
What can the grant be used for?
We welcome the community to come forward with their ideas. Examples may include:
- Funding for a new project, setting up a new group or local forum
- Funding for capital items that will help the organisation, eg equipment
- Events, training and/or capacity building
- Exceptional organisation running costs, such as wages, for a focused time on a project
The grant can act as part funding for a project which has been the subject of a previous application, but evidence of how the previous funding was spent will be needed. BSTC will consider more than one grant per group or organisation in each financial year if clear, exceptional circumstances or separate projects are demonstrated.
Please note that if working with children and young people or vulnerable adults, organisations should have an appropriate safeguarding policy.
In general, it would be expected that any grant awarded would be spent within one year.
Who can apply?
- You are a resident of the areas administered by the Town Council (unless a clear benefit to the inhabitants of the town can be demonstrated). You can find a boundary map HERE
- You are socially inclusive and your membership is consistent with the BSTC Equality and Diversity Statement found HERE
For full details , eligibility and restrictions, please read the Grant Policy, linked below.
How much can I apply for?
BSTC has a total grant allocation of £20,000 for the year 2024/2025, which will be divided equally between each of the two rounds of funding.
When & how to apply?
Grant applications will be considered by BSTC twice a year. The submission deadlines for the two rounds of funding in 2024 are as follows:
- 17 May 2024 (1st round)
- 29 November 2024 (2nd round)
Applicants will be expected to complete an application form in order to apply for a grant, although as BSTC wishes to operate an inclusive applications policy, applications which are not in this format, ie presentations or videos, will also be considered.
Please submit all enquiries and applications for a grant to:
The Town Clerk, Bude-Stratton Town Council, The Parkhouse Centre, Ergue Gaberic Way, Bude, Cornwall EX23 8LD
Process
All applications will be reviewed initially by Town Council staff to ensure that they are eligible for consideration. You may be contacted for further information. Following initial assessment, there will be an opportunity to speak with councillors at a private meeting to clarify any queries. The final decision will be concluded by Councillor vote at a Full Council, to which the public are always invited. Minutes of public meetings are available from the BSTC Office and on this website.
How Our Grants Helped: A Selection of Projects Supported
Grants Awarded May 2024
Bude Carnival Committee
A £1,500 grant from the council helped the Bude Carnival Committee cover the increasing costs of hosting this cherished community event. The small committee of volunteers works tirelessly throughout the year to ensure the carnival, which has run for over 100 years, continues to be a highlight for both locals and visitors. The grant helped to cover vital expenses such as road closures, safety measures and event logistics. Not only does the carnival support the local economy, but it also raises funds that are donated to Bude-based charities and groups, benefiting children’s organisations, the elderly and animal welfare. The council’s support made it possible for this important event to go ahead successfully.
Bude Football Club
A £1,000 grant from the council went towards helping Bude Football Club address urgent accessibility and facility improvements. Serving over 300 members aged 5 to 75, the funding contributed to the purchase of a portable disability ramp, improving access to the clubhouse and canteen, as well as upgrades to toilet facilities, including baby changing areas. These improvements are part of the club’s wider efforts to create a more inclusive, community-focused environment. These upgrades align with the club’s commitment to fostering a welcoming space for all. The council’s support has been instrumental in moving these important changes forward.
Bude Cancer Support
A £500 grant from the council contributed towards the running costs of Bude Cancer Support’s twice-monthly café events, ensuring the group could continue providing a safe space for those affected by cancer. The funding helped cover room hire and refreshments for six months of events at The Parkhouse Centre, where attendees could participate in peer support sessions, workshops, and restorative therapies. The council’s contribution has enabled this important group to continue offering free, valuable support to local residents and visitors alike.
Bude North Cornwall Cricket Club £862
A grant of £862 enabled Bude North Cornwall Cricket Club to launch a youth cricket section, providing young people with the opportunity to engage in the sport for the first time. The funding was used to purchase essential equipment, including a cricket batting cage, allowing the club to offer hard ball cricket to local children. The club expects to involve 40 children over the next year, strengthening Bude’s strong sporting community and giving families a new focal point. The council’s support has been crucial in making this initiative a reality, helping to develop the club’s facilities and contribute to the health and wellbeing of the town’s residents.
Bude RNLI (Bude Lifeboat Day )
The Bude-Stratton Town Council’s Community Grant scheme played a key role in the success of this year’s Bude Lifeboat Day by awarding a £500 grant to help cover rising event costs. The funding ensured that the long-standing tradition could continue, drawing both locals and visitors to raise vital funds for the RNLI while supporting local businesses. This year’s event was particularly special, marking the RNLI’s 200th anniversary and the grant helped enhance the celebrations. Bude Lifeboat Day, organised and funded locally, remains a vital community event and the council’s support was instrumental in its success.
Atlantic Academy £138
A £138 grant from the council helped Atlantic Academy ensure that all Year 7 students could participate in their annual residential trip, which fosters team spirit and creates lasting memories. The funding specifically supported a student from Bude whose family, facing financial difficulties, would otherwise have been unable to afford the trip. By covering the cost for this student, the council’s contribution allowed the entire year group to share in this valuable experience at the Ultimate Adventure Centre, promoting friendship and confidence among the students. The school recognises how important these trips are for personal growth, and the council’s support made a significant difference for one family and their child.
Grants Awarded January 2023
Bude Pilot Gig Club
Bude Pilot Gig Club has been in touch to thank BSTC for its grant and to let us know it launched its newly refurbished wooden racing gig Bedehaven in March 2023, following a complete refurbishment. This included removing many layers of old paint to take her back to wood and then a fresh coat of speciality marine paint and new signage. The floor of the gig was also replaced as some of the boards were damaged through wear and tear.
The Bude Pilot Gig Club was awarded a £2,000 grant towards this project in January 2023.