Portsmouth City Council is inviting community groups and organisations to apply for support from the CIL Neighbourhood Fund. This fund is designed to support local projects that improve community spaces, facilities and neighbourhoods. A special pre‑bookable drop‑in advice event will take place on 10 March at Portsmouth Enterprise Centre, offering tailored guidance on how to apply.
A recent success story funded through the scheme is the new sensory garden and forest school area at Highbury Primary School in Cosham. The school transformed an unused area into an engaging outdoor space for pupils and community groups. This garden provides a calming, stimulating outdoor environment for pupils with diverse needs and is also used by a local parent and toddler group and the Activ8 holiday club.
Headteacher Mrs J Watson said:
“The CIL Neighbourhood funding allowed the school to develop the grounds to create the sensory garden, an enriching learning experience, which the children absolutely love. We also appreciated the support from the Council throughout the process.”
Councillor Mason, Hugh (Cllr), Cabinet Member for Planning Policy & City Development, said:
“The CIL Neighbourhood Fund helps local ideas grow. The sensory garden and forest school area at Highbury is a great example of how small grants can make a real difference. These projects support wellbeing and help create places that people value. I encourage community groups to come forward and see how the fund can help them.”
The fund offers awards from £500. Eligible projects include community equipment, improvements to buildings or open spaces, public art, street furniture, safety features and biodiversity work.
Community groups, schools, residents’ associations and charities are encouraged to book a 30‑minute advice session, discuss their project ideas and begin an application.