Not-for-profit organisations and groups are invited to apply for funding to support community-led initiatives that meet local needs and bring improvements to welfare support.
Each Local Network area within the county has received £10,000 to support projects and organisations that improve the wellbeing of residents affected by welfare reforms in their area. It forms part of a series of initiatives in place as part of the council’s Poverty Strategy and Action Plan.
All applicants to the Durham County Council Local Network Welfare Fund must demonstrate that their project provides tangible, positive results and assists residents in adapting to changes to the welfare and benefit system.
The funding can be used for projects and activities that educate residents about welfare reform, while providing social, emotional and mental support to those who are impacted by them.
It’s expected that projects will receive a minimum grant of £5,000 with a maximum of £10,000 so they can have a significant impact on local welfare reform issues.
The closing date for applications is 12pm on Monday 2nd February 2026. For an online application pack contact the Local Network Team via email on
localnetworks@durham.gov.uk
Any not-for-profit organisations or groups that have a project idea and would like to discuss it before applying, are encouraged to contact the Local Network Team via email.