Communities across the East Midlands are set to be strengthened thanks to millions of pounds of new investment
The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward has today announced the first projects to receive support from her £3m Community Development Fund.
Launched last year, the fund supports 10 priority areas across the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) region where communities face high levels of disadvantage and have limited numbers of local community and voluntary groups. Years of reduced funding and support have made it harder for these areas to build and sustain the organisations they need to lead local solutions.
Community-led schemes in key areas have now each been awarded up to £300,000 to support projects designed to build skills, strengthen resilience and help residents shape the future of their own neighbourhoods.
Mayor Claire said: “I’m incredibly proud to announce the first projects supported by my Community Development Fund.
“This fund is about backing people who know their communities best. By investing in local ideas, local leadership and local ambition, we’re giving communities the tools and confidence to take control of their future. This is long-term investment in people, not short-term fixes.”
The aim of the fund is to support the communities which need it most, through backing community-led solutions to local challenges, strengthening pride in place and supporting safer, healthier and more inclusive neighbourhoods. It aims to help communities build skills and confidence so they can take a stronger role in shaping their future and share in the region’s growth.”
Mayor Claire said: “My commitment as Mayor is simple: opportunity should not depend on where you live. This fund is one way we’re making sure every part of the East Midlands has the chance to grow, thrive and shape its own future.”
Two priority areas in Derby will share more than £850,000.
In Normanton, two organisations have each been awarded more than £275,000.
Sporting Communities will help residents learn, connect and feel safe. The Community Interest Company has been awarded £296,766 for Normanton Together, which will use Normanton Park as a hub to create inclusive spaces, while 176 Project Nile Scouts (Derby) have been awarded the same amount for their Scout Hut refurbishment project.
In neighbouring Arboretum, some £100,000 in match-funded grants will be distributed to more than 20 grassroots organisations. Community Action Derby has been awarded £257,507 for Arboretum Matters, which also aims to set up three community-led investment panels and train 45 community leaders, increasing the sustainability and impact of the organisations.
In Nottingham, two wards will share more than £560,000 from the fund.
In Bestwood, tailored employability support for people aged 16-plus will be provided. The Bestwood Partnership has been awarded £270,223 for The BEST Step Forward, which will also offer welfare and benefits advice, and mentoring for young people aged 10 and over.
Targeted community grants to respond to residents’ priorities will be provided in the Dales area of the city. The Renewal Trust has been awarded £291,929 for Dales Doing It Together, which aims to create a cleaner, safer and more connected neighbourhood.
In Gamesley, Glossop, Derbyshire, health, sport, learning and volunteering opportunities will be brought together under one roof, with The Bureau granted £191,570 for the Gamesley Wellbeing Hub.
Stronger communication, increased resident participation and expanded volunteering opportunities to help communities meet social and economic challenges is the aim of Future Cotmanhay. Parkside High CIC in Cotmanhay, Derbyshire, has secured £224,307 for the scheme, which will also see regular newsletters delivered to every household to keep residents informed, connected and up to date.
In Leamington, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, the vision is to create a vibrant, resident-led wellbeing hub. The Academy Transformation Trust has been awarded £228,634 to revitalise Willets Court Community Centre with improved facilities and upgraded communication through new noticeboards.
Market Warsop, Nottinghamshire, will see facilities for young people improved. Warsop Parish Council has been awarded more than £252,868 for Future Warsop, which will also see a community park for families and a flexible resource for grassroots community activity.
A number of smaller grants have been awarded as well, while funding has also been allocated to the priority areas of Shirebrook North and Worksop South-East and EMCCA is continuing to work with partners in the region to confirm successful bids.
Mayor Claire said: “At my engagement events, people told me they wanted to help unlock the East Midlands’ potential. My Community Development Fund is about making sure that potential isn’t capped by postcode – and that every community has the chance to thrive.”
Published on: 9 February 2026
Categories: News, Economic Development