Kenwyn Community Benefit Fund Opens 2026 Applications with £300,000 Available

Community groups across the Kenwyn parish are being invited to apply for a share of £300,000 as the Kenwyn Community Benefit Fund opens its 2026 funding round.

The annual programme supports projects that benefit residents in areas including Threemilestone, Gloweth, Shortlanesend, Idless and the wider parish near Truro. The next application deadline is 21st May 2026.

Funding Boost for 2026

While the fund typically distributes around £55,000 each year, the total available for 2026 has increased to £330,000 due to unallocated funds being carried forward.

Grants usually range from £150 to £10,000, with larger amounts considered in exceptional cases. Applications are open to charities, not for profit organisations, community interest companies, constituted groups and volunteer led organisations.

Recent Projects Supported

One of the latest awards includes £10,000 to Truro Tennis Club for a solar panel and battery installation. The project is expected to reduce long term running costs and allow reinvestment into coaching, accessibility and membership growth.

In 2025, more than £42,000 was awarded across 10 projects. These included:

• New fishing platforms for Threemilestone Angling Club
• Support to restart Threemilestone AFC
• Musical instruments and events for Friends of Shortlanesend School
• Equipment and stage hire for One Voice Choir
• Green space maintenance and events for Gloweth Community Group

So far in 2026, £30,000 has already been awarded to groups including Deg Karn Explorer Scouts and the WI. Funding has also supported the boardwalk replacement at Watts Nature Reserve in Shortlanesend, which is now nearing completion.

Supporting Community and Wellbeing

The MEDO Café, which runs a bi weekly dementia and memory loss café in Threemilestone, has also benefitted from the fund. The grant has helped provide entertainment, seasonal activities and wellbeing support, as well as enabling carers to access dementia training while volunteers care for loved ones nearby.

Lyn Begley, Chair of The MEDO Café, said: “This funding helps us provide high quality entertainment, safe sessions and the little touches that mean so much to people living with dementia. It supports our carers as much as our members and allows us to run innovative projects. The café helps make their journeys a little easier and we are incredibly grateful to have received support from the Kenwyn Community Benefit Fund.”

Local Decision Making

The fund is administered by Kenwyn Parish Council, with funding decisions made independently by a panel of local residents and parish councillors.

Panel Chair Mark Holden, co director of The Victoria Inn in Threemilestone, said: “Every grant we award reflects the dedication and creativity of the groups who work tirelessly for their community. The projects the scheme has supported over the years from small wellbeing sessions to large infrastructure improvements that help secure the long term future of valuable initiatives and community facilities have been fantastic. With more funding than usual available in 2026, we are excited to see even more groups benefit.”

Helen Wright, Chairperson of Truro Tennis Club, added: “This invaluable funding helps us modernise, bring down our running costs and continue welcoming new members of all ages and abilities. It’s a huge boost for our future and adds to the recent improvements we’ve made at the club, including a new court. The process was extremely straightforward and quick and we’re so glad we applied.”

Backed by Renewable Energy

The Kenwyn Community Benefit Fund has been running since 2014, with funding generated from clean energy produced at the Causilgey Farm and Four Burrows solar farms.

Carey Green, Community Relations Manager on behalf of Kenwyn Solar Ltd and Four Burrows Solar Farm, said: “It is inspiring to see renewable energy bringing long lasting benefits to the communities where our sites are based. The breadth of projects being delivered from environmental improvements to community wellbeing activities and sports facilities shows just how valuable this fund is to local people.”

How to Apply

Applicants must be not for profit, have a written constitution or governing document, and hold a bank account. Informal groups can apply through Kenwyn Parish Council.

Further deadlines for 2026 are 25th May, 24th August and 23rd November.

For more information, eligibility guidance and application forms, visit the Kenwyn Community Benefit Fund page or email [email protected].