Please read this guidance carefully before completing your application.
There are three different funding opportunities available, each with its own criteria and application form. It is important that you apply for the correct fund and provide all relevant supporting information, as applications are assessed against specific requirements.
Background of the Starbeck Community Fund
The Starbeck Community Fund was established following an agreement made in July 1992 when Morrison's supermarket was developed in Starbeck. As part of this agreement, the developers contributed £300,000 to the council to support the creation and improvement of community and recreational facilities in the area.
Since then, we have been responsible for holding, managing and distributing the fund in line with the original purpose. Over time, a small grants scheme was introduced to ensure local groups and individuals could benefit from the funding through projects that enhance community facilities and opportunities.
The funding was previously managed by the former Harrogate Borough Council and is now administered by North Yorkshire Council. The Fund is now managed by the Localities Service and Central Area Communities Team.
Following a review in 2024 to 2025, the fund has been refreshed and is now open for applications for the 2026/2027 financial year.
The funding opportunities
There are three funding streams available in 2026, all focused on providing capital grants. This means the funding is intended for one-off purchases such as equipment or physical improvements, rather than ongoing running costs. They are not intended for ongoing day-to-day costs but to support the purpose of creating or improving of recreation/community facilities in Starbeck.
Applications are competitive. Funding will therefore be awarded to projects that clearly meet the criteria and demonstrate a strong positive impact within the defined Starbeck area.
It is important to note that the fund is limited, and not all eligible applications will be successful. Projects must benefit the defined Starbeck area based on the original 1992 ward boundaries.
Certain costs cannot be funded:
- completed projects
- running costs
- disposable resources such as paper, refreshments
- professional fees
- insurance
- political or religious activities
The three funding streams
1. Individual grants - up to £500
- available to young people aged 25 or under who live in the defined Starbeck area
- designed to support personal development opportunities in education, sport, or cultural activities and should demonstrate how it enables opportunities that would not otherwise be possible
- applicants must show how the funding will benefit them and confirm the impact can be demonstrated by 1 October 2027
2. Small community grants - up to £2,000
- available to community groups and voluntary organisations working within the defined Starbeck area
- projects should enhance community facilities, improve quality of life, and encourage participation
- organisations will need to provide governance information and evidence of costs and demonstrate impact by 1 October 2027
3. Large community grants - £5,000 to £15,000
- aimed at more established organisations delivering larger projects with significant community benefit within the defined Starbeck area
- applicants must provide detailed supporting information including governance, permissions, and cost details, and demonstrate impact by 1 October 2027
- organisations awarded a large community grant are not eligible to apply to this strand again for four years from the date of their previous award, should the same funding opportunity arise in following years
Application and selection process
Applications must be submitted using the correct form. Applicants may only apply for one funding stream per year.
The application window opens on 1 July 2026 and closes at 5pm on 16 August 2026. Projects must begin after 30 September 2026.
Applications are assessed by a panel including local representatives and council officers. Applications are scored against criteria, and final decisions are made by a senior officer. Applicants will be notified in early October 2026.
Terms and conditions
Successful applicants will receive funding in advance once a grant agreement is signed.
Funding must be spent within one year and evidence of expenditure provided.
Applicants must ensure appropriate insurance, safeguarding, and inclusive practices are in place.
Contact and submission information
If you need assistance to complete the application form, email stronger.communities@northyorks.gov.uk.
All applications must be submitted electronically to stronger.communities@northyorks.gov.uk.
Deadline for submission: 16 August 2026 at 5pm.
Starbeck Community fund area
The fund applies to the original Starbeck ward boundaries defined in 1992. Applicants should ensure eligibility before applying.
Geographical area - groups that operate within the bold area will be able to apply for Starbeck Community Fund Grants.
Map showing the boundary of the Starbeck Ward (pdf / 527 KB)
Data protection
How we use your information:
We will treat your personal details as private and confidential and safeguard them. We will not disclose them to anyone unconnected with the council unless you have consented to their release or in certain circumstances where:
- we are legally obliged to do so
- disclosure is necessary for the proper discharge of our statutory functions
- disclosure is necessary to enable us to provide you with a requested service or deal with your enquiry
- where “legitimate interests” are relied on in relation to specific processing operations
We are under a duty to protect public funds. We may use the information you have provided for the prevention and detection of fraud. We may also share this information with other bodies responsible for public funds or for auditing them for these purposes.
Terms and conditions:
- I understand that my application and contact details will be stored for six years and deleted after this time unless I agree to extend this period
- I understand that I have the right to withdraw my consent by contacting stronger.communities@northyorks.gov.uk. I understand that this will not affect the lawfulness of any processing of the application by the council before my consent is withdrawn
- I understand that the council will ensure that it complies with the requirements of all legislation and regulatory requirements in force relating to the application
- I understand that the council will process the application and my contact details in accordance with the privacy notice available on our privacy notices page