Almost 40 of Farnham’s community organisations will benefit from the latest round of grants allocated by Farnham Town Council. Together, they will share £75,000 to support their work with people in need, sports and arts activities as well as projects for young people and the environment. The grants were agreed by Farnham Town Council at its meeting on Thursday (23 January).

“There are too many fantastic projects to list but to give a flavour, this year’s Community Grants scheme is supporting groups ranging from the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity to Hale Carnival Committee as well as helping the Woodlarks Centre buy a minibus and the Rowledge and Bourne Ringers purchase a new A flat bell,” says Councillor John Neale, Leader of Farnham Town Council. “Some grants will provide vital support for people when they need it most – parents, people with disabilities, older residents – while others positively enhance the lives of local people through sports, educational and cultural activities,” he says.

The scheme, which is supporting many organisations, shows how investing a relatively small amount of money in the community can benefit many people, with some of the grants being just a few hundred pounds.

Among the beneficiaries is arts group FADEG which will use its grant of £250 to help finance a community arts show to encourage creativity among amateurs, particularly those who benefit from art as a therapy. Farnham disability charity, Challengers will receive £750 to support activities for its summer play scheme, such as a drumming workshop and messy play. A grant of £350 will enable Farnham Brass Band to purchase a new bass drum and new carol and hymn books while the Parenting Space will receive £1,200 to support local families on Talking Teens parenting courses.

Farnham Town Council invites applications from not-for-profit organisations for financial support of up to £2,000 through its community grants scheme. Applications can be for one-off projects or funding for up to three years. The council considers requests for work relating to, for example, young people’s projects, heritage and cultural schemes, facilities in community buildings, sport, leisure and play activities, community transport and environmental projects.

Small grants of up to £250 are available for specific community projects throughout the year. To apply, email town.clerk@farnham.gov.uk.