About the Community Fund and the Otley 800 Community Grant Fund
Otley Town Council operates a Community Fund to support local groups delivering projects, activities and events that benefit residents of Otley.
The Fund has limited resources available each financial year, so organisations are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Should all available funding be allocated, the Fund will be closed to further applications. The usual Community Fund will continue to run throughout the Otley 800 programme for applications which are not related to Otley 800.
In partnership with our successful bid to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, there is now a Community Grant programme for Otley 800 specific heritage themed applications. The application requirements for this fund are bespoke to Otley 800 and are outlined below.
The initial closing date for the first round of Otley 800 Community Grant Applications will be 31 October 2026. Should all available funding be allocated in this first round, the Fund will be closed to further applications.
Applications for both Funds are considered by the Community Development Committee.
Community Grants (Not Otley 800)
Eligibility Criteria
Applications can only be submitted by groups that:
- Have a formal constitution
- Have at least three officers
- Hold a bank account in the organisation’s name
Applications Will Not Be Considered From
- Individuals
- Groups with political or religious aims
- Profit-making businesses or private organisations
- Pressure groups (including those formed by residents)
- National or international charities
There is no upper limit on the amount groups may apply for. Larger grants may be considered where a project demonstrates significant benefit for the Otley community.
Only one application per organisation per financial year is permitted. Grants cannot be awarded retrospectively.
Funding May Be Used To Support
- Venue and equipment hire
- Publicity and printing
- Event and festival costs
- Materials, equipment and training for community initiatives
Application Deadlines and Meeting Dates (2026/27)
| Deadline for Applications | Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| 3 November 2026 | 9 November 2026 |
| 16 February 2027 | 22 February 2027 |
Please ensure your application is submitted by the relevant deadline to allow consideration at the corresponding committee meeting.
How to Apply for a Grant
Download and complete the Community Fund Application Form and return it to the Deputy Clerk using the contact details below.
Download Community Fund Application FormTel: 01943466335
Otley 800 Community Grants
Thank you for your interest in the Otley 800 Community Grants Programme, delivered by Otley Town Council in partnership with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
This dedicated grant fund supports heritage-themed projects, events and activities that contribute to the Otley 800 celebrations and help tell the story of Otley’s rich history, heritage and community.
Before completing an application, please ensure that you have read the Applicant Guidance document in full, as the eligibility criteria and application requirements for the Otley 800 Community Grants Programme differ from those for the standard Community Grants Fund.
The initial closing date for the first round of Otley 800 Community Grant Applications is 31 October 2026.
Organisations are strongly encouraged to submit applications during this first round. If all available funding is allocated, the fund may close to further applications.
Download Grant Documents
Please download both the Applicant Guidance and Application Form before preparing your submission.
📄 Download Applicant Guidance 📝 Download Application Form