Helping to create thriving communities across County Durham
A new funding programme has launched to support community groups and organisations across County Durham.
Durham County Council is launching the Thriving Together programme through its partners, Point North, to offer funding to the county’s voluntary and community sector in delivering essential support to residents.
The council has an annual fund of £500,000 that it is making available to organisations via Point North, to help improve the health and wellbeing of residents and boost community resilience.
Cllr Howard Brown, Cabinet member for adult and health services, said: “We are delighted to be launching this Thriving Together fund through Point North, allowing organisations in the voluntary and community sector to access longer-term funding that will support communities across County Durham.
“We know that many residents are struggling and facing growing pressure, which negatively impacts their mental and physical health. In our recent Wellbeing survey, only half of adults in our most deprived areas across County Durham felt they had good mental health. This programme aims to tackle that and help to increase community resilience by bringing communities together through targeted support.
“Grassroots organisations play a vital role in this support. Often, they are able to reach people who sometimes don’t want to engage with statutory services. This fund will help them to develop a wider range of opportunities to reach even more residents across the county on a long-term basis, taking away the need to reapply for financial help year on year.”
The programme also aims to enhance residents’ awareness of the support available to live well, reduce feelings of anxiety and prevent suicide.
The fund will also support the voluntary and community sector to connect people together by providing opportunities to help improve resident wellbeing through activities such as gardening, drawing, reading and learning new skills.
Organisations will be encouraged to work with their local communities to decide what activities are needed in their area, with funding also made available to provide essential training and skills development to staff and volunteers.
Michelle Cooper, CEO at Point North, said: “Communities across the county are facing a number of challenges so we are pleased to be able to provide our support through the delivery of this programme.
“By working together with voluntary and community sector organisations, we can help strengthen our communities and offer residents a wide range of help, support, and opportunities so they are not alone when facing difficult life challenges.”
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply for a Thriving Together Fund, please visit our grants page.
You’ll find two Thriving Together Funds:
Thriving Together Fund (small grants) provides grants between £2,000 and £5,000.
Thriving Together Fund (large grants) provides Grants between £5,000 and £25,000 per year for up to 3 years.
Yes, you can apply to both the Thriving Together Fund (small grants) and the Thriving Together Fund (large grants).
Before you submit your application, please make sure you read the full grant guidelines.
If you need any help, please book a funding advice appointment by clicking here.
Submit your application by Sunday 23 November 2025.
Yes, we’re hosting an online webinar on Thursday 25 September, 10am to 11am, to go through the grant guidelines.
You’ll need to register to attend.
Please click here to sign up and receive the Zoom joining details.
