Hailsham Town Council Community Grants Awarded (2025/26)

Local community groups and voluntary organisations throughout Hailsham have shared in grant funding totalling more than £14,000 following the allocation of awards under the Town Council’s 2025 to 2026 Community Grant Scheme.

The scheme, which is administered annually by the Town Council, is designed to provide practical financial assistance to organisations whose activities deliver clear benefits to the local community. This year, grants were awarded to a broad and diverse range of groups operating across the town, reflecting the breadth of voluntary effort that supports social wellbeing, cultural life, health, recreation and community cohesion in Hailsham.

Funding has been provided to assist with the development of new facilities, the delivery of activities and the progression of specific projects which might otherwise be difficult to achieve without additional support. The Town Council recognises that many voluntary and community organisations operate with limited resources and depend heavily on fundraising, public donations and the commitment of volunteers.

The Community Grant Scheme therefore plays an important role in strengthening the local voluntary sector and enabling organisations to continue serving residents effectively.

The following grants were approved for the 2025/2026 financial year:

• Hailsham Cricket Club – £500
• Hailsham Bonfire Society – £3,500
• Hailsham Community Land Trust – £500
• 2nd Hailsham Scout Group – £300
• Hailsham Table Tennis Club – £500
• Baby Bank and Beyond CIC – £500
• Hailsham Choral Society – £500
• Hedgehogs for Hailsham – £400
• Hailsham and District Twinning Association – £1,500
• Hailsham Foodbank – £500
• Hailsham Active CIC – £495.47
• Action Against Abuse – £500
• Sweet Circus CIC – £500
• Hailsham Old Pavilion Society – £120
• Wealden Works – £500
• St Wilfrid’s Hospice – £1,000
• Hailsham Gospel Mission – £200
• Gallery North – £500
• iHex Explorers – £500
• Hailsham Writing Group – £250
• East Sussex Vision Support – £250
• Instructions Not Required – £250
• You Raise Me Up – £250
• Girl Guiding Heathfield & Hailsham District – £140
• Hailsham Netball Club – £500
• Bourne This Way LGBT Parents’ Support – £250

The total value of grants awarded was £14,905.47.

Commenting on the awards, Cllr Colin Mitchell, Chair of the Finance & Governance Committee said: “The Community Grant Scheme is the principal means by which the Town Council provides direct financial support to voluntary organisations within Hailsham. Many groups rely primarily on public generosity, fundraising initiatives and the dedication of volunteers who give their time freely to support local causes.”

“Small grants such as those awarded through the scheme can make a significant difference to organisations when they are planning or delivering worthwhile projects. Community groups and charities represent valuable assets to the town, contributing positively to quality of life and helping to meet local needs. The Town Council is proud to be able to support their continued efforts through the provision of grant funding.”

The Town Council welcomes future applications to the Community Grant Scheme. Any organisation with a formal constitution, a non-profit ethos, formal accounts (or a business plan if newly established), and activities that demonstrably benefit the local community of Hailsham is eligible to apply for funding in future grant rounds.