Sheringham Shoal Community Fund

Update May 2024 – the fund has closed to new outline proposals until further notice. Applicants who have already been invited to complete a full application should continue with that as normal and submit it to us by 30 September 2024.

The Sheringham Shoal Community Fund will support projects proposed by groups inspired to do something new and positive in their community.

Projects should focus on one or more of the following objectives:

To contribute to reducing climate change.
To assist the sustainability of North Norfolk communities by stimulating their own ability to solve issues and create opportunities, for example by providing educational or community business facilities.
To have a marine environment or marine safety focus.
To promote environmental sensitivity, sustainability or the benefits of renewable energy.
To contribute to education or employment in the renewable energy industry or related arenas through access to courses and community activities.

The Fund aims to award half of the funding to Wells-next-the-Sea and the surrounding area with the remaining funds being available to the wider North Norfolk District area.

Examples of recent grants include:

Funding for air source heating in a community building
Funding for CCTV to improve beach safety
Funding for a Sea Scout group to set up a marine engineering workshop
Funding to convert streetlights to low energy LED lighting

The following are generally not supported:

Improvements to play areas
Improvements to buildings used only (or largely) for worship

How to apply

You are encouraged to discuss your idea with Lizzi Barker or Clive Rayner at Norfolk Community Foundation before starting an application.

The Fund has a two-stage application process:

Stage 1 – Complete an “outline proposal” to tell us about your idea and how it fits with the Fund objectives. This can be completed at any time, and you will receive a decision quickly. You can find a link for this form below.
Stage 2 – Invited applicants are sent a full application form to be completed by 31 March or 30 September. You will receive a decision on your full applications within six weeks or so of this deadline.

The outline proposal stage can also be used to request development funding of up to £500 if your project needs further development before it can proceed. Such funding might be used to carry out public consultation or to pay for independent advice. As an alternative to this you might also consider seeking help via our Norfolk Prohelp scheme.

The Fund has not set an upper grant limit but as a guide in the most recent funding round the largest grants awarded were between £10,000 and £15,000. The Fund has around £100,000 to distribute per year and so only exceptional projects are likely to receive awards above this level.