Applications for the Community Grant Scheme open on 25th November 2026

The Council provides large and small grants to local groups and organisations whose projects benefit the people of Wem Urban Parish. It has recently reviewed how the large grants are allocated.

Small and large grants

• Small grants are for £500 or less.
• Large grants are for more than £500.

Who can apply?

Local groups and organisations can apply. To be eligible, your organisation must have:

• written rules, such as a constitution
• a bank account that needs two people to sign
• public liability insurance
• a safeguarding policy, if you work with children or vulnerable adults
• non-profit status, which means any profit money goes back into your organisation

The Council encourages applications from local community based 'not-for profit' or charitable organisations. Voluntary groups, societies, clubs (including new start-ups), sports clubs, youth clubs and play groups within the Town Council's area may apply, those outside the Town who can demonstrate direct benefit to the residents of the town will be eligible to apply for consideration by the Council.

The Town Council cannot give financial assistance to individuals under this scheme nor will it consider retrospective applications where the activity or project has already been carried out.

How do we decide who receives a grant?

First, Council staff check that your group is eligible and that you have sent all the documents we need. Councillors then read the rest of your application before a decision is made by the Full Council.

Small grants

The Finance Committee looks at each application and recommends which to support.

Large grants

A small group of councillors reads and scores each application. They look at:

• The need for your project, and what it adds to Wem
• How it will benefit local people
• How well it is planned and will be delivered
• Your financial need
• Whether it offers good value for money
• Whether it can be sustained over time
• How well it fits the Town Council’s priorities

You can see exactly how we score large grant applications in the Large Grants assessment sheet below. We suggest reading it and the guidance notes before you apply.

All grants

The Full Council makes the final decision. Small grants are decided in February and large grants in March.

If you are successful

You will need to:

• spend the money only on what you told us in your application
• send us updates and proof of how you spent the money
• tell people that the Town Council helped to fund your project
• send someone from your group to the Annual Town Meeting in March 2027

Key Dates and Application Forms

Small Grants (up to £500)

Click on the links below for the small grants guidance note and application form.

Small Grants Guidance Note

Small Grants Application Form

Large Grants (over £500)

Click on the links below for the large grants guidance note, assessment sheet and application form.

Large Grants Guidance Note

Large Grants Application Form

Large Grants Assessment Sheet (for information only)

If you need help completing the application form, please contact the Town Council (info@wem.gov.uk).