Community groups across the district have until 22 February to bid for a share of £1.5 million that Mansfield District Council has been awarded from the government’s new Pride in Place strategy.
Mansfield is one of 95 places across England, Scotland and Wales, to be awarded a share of the Pride in Place Impact Fund. Its aim is to invest directly in local neighbourhoods by March 2027, helping to restore pride in the places people call home.
The programme is locally led and offers immediate support for visible improvements to high streets, public spaces and assets of community value.
Bids can be accepted from local authorities, parish councils, registered charities, CICs and social enterprises, community, not-for-profit and voluntary organisations with a constitution, public-sector organisations with community outcomes and higher and further education institutions with community outcomes.
Applications for between £50,000 and £200,000 must be for capital projects only with works to be carried out by 31 March 2027.
Projects could include:
- refurbishment of community buildings
- upgrades to playgrounds, parks, green or public spaces
- accessibility improvements to paths, lighting and signs.
- physical enhancements to town centres or high streets
- repurposing underused buildings
- creation of new community facilities
- environmental improvements such as planting, sustainable design and biodiversity improvements.
- permanent new public/community assets.
A total of £1m will be shared out among community groups. The remaining £500,000 from the fund has been set aside for smaller scale grants of up to £50,000 that can have a significant impact on a locality. Bidding for these will be launched shortly. Bids will be considered by a panel comprising the MP, councillors and senior council officers; decisions are expected by end of March 2026.
Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams said; “This funding fits perfectly with the council’s priority to build pride in this district and to help build strong, resilient, prosperous and inclusive communities.
“It will develop what has already been achieved here in regeneration and what is coming down the line to make Mansfield a great place to live, work and visit.
“Time is of the essence with this funding. The application window is short and the projects have to be delivered by April next year so community groups really need to get cracking if they want to grasp this opportunity.”
Mansfield MP Steve Yemm added: “I am proud that the Labour government is investing in our community here in Mansfield, and this is an excellent opportunity for groups from our area to make a huge difference.
“We're appealing to people who have their fingers on the pulse of our town to tell us what they think is important and how we can improve the district for the benefit of everyone. I look forward to hearing some of the wonderful ideas that our communities have for using this funding."
For more information and to make an application, visit the council's Pride in Place Impact Fund web page (link opens in new window). Bids must be submitted by 4pm on 22 February.