Following the successful launch of its Small Grants Programme earlier this year, Rutland County Council is making the remaining grant funding available through a further application round. Eligible local grassroots groups are now invited to apply for support to help invest in projects that will benefit and grow their local initiatives.

This funding aims to strengthen community capacity, reduce rural isolation and support community-led health and wellbeing initiatives across the county, and especially in rural locations.

Grants of between £500 and £2,000 can be sought by grassroots voluntary and community groups, delivering local projects that:

• Reduce loneliness and social isolation
• Strengthen volunteer networks
• Improve access to health and wellbeing activities
• Support vulnerable residents and improve access to welfare support
• Build stronger community connections and build financially resilient communities

The programme is specifically focused on supporting activity within Rutland’s rural communities and is funded by money from Public Health, Rutland’s Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Rutland County Council.

Only groups that meet the Council’s eligibility criteria and operate within Rutland can apply for a grant. Successful projects must also be delivered within 2026/27 financial year.

Groups who were successful in gaining funding from the last round are welcome to apply again, providing the money will be used on a separate project.

Rutland County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Cllr Tim Smith, said:

“Rutland’s community groups and volunteers play a vital role to support the wellbeing of our residents, and the character of our communities. Following the positive response to our Small Grants Programme earlier this year, we’re pleased to make the remaining funding available to support even more local projects.

Whether it’s investing in new equipment, improving community spaces, or taking forward and enhancing projects that will help local communities to grow, these grants are designed to make a real difference. I would encourage all eligible local groups to take a look at the scheme and apply if they think it could help them.”

Any groups or organisations that are interested in applying for funding from the new Small Grants Programme should visit the Rutland County Council’s website, where they will find full details: www.rutland.gov.uk/smallgrants The application process for Rutland’s Community Small Grants Programme is now open until Wednesday 26 August 2026. This gives organisations a period of one month to ask any questions and to prepare and submit their applications to Rutland County Council.

Waste collection crews in Rutland will begin their rounds earlier than usual this week, due to forecast high temperatures.

From Tuesday 23 June until Friday 26 June, crews will start collections from 6am (instead of 7am) to help protect staff from working during the hottest part of the day.

Residents are kindly asked to put bins and caddies out the night before collection or make sure they are placed out no later than 6am on collection day.

This temporary change will help to maintain services while keeping crews safe during the warmer weather.

During periods of severe hot weather, residents are also advised to take steps to stay well:

• stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• avoid the sun between 11am and 3am
• seek shade where possible
• keep homes cool by closing curtains or blinds in sun-facing rooms
• look out for vulnerable people, including older neighbours, young children and those with health conditions
• never leave children or pets in parked vehicles, even for a short time

More information on staying safe in hot weather can be found on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health

Rutland County Council thanks residents for their help during this warm weather period.