How do you raise up to £3 million!
Hadlow Down Community Centre is committed to raising the £3 million required to build a modern, multi-purpose village hall and sports pavilion that will serve as a vital hub for our community. We are pursuing a multi-faceted funding strategy that includes a combination of grants, local authority contributions, fundraising, and private support.
Secured and Potential Funding Sources
Government and Local Authority Funding:
We are actively working to secure Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding from Wealden District Council, which aligns with their objectives to support rural communities.
Our local MP, Nus Ghani, is advocating for our project at a national level, helping us explore government-backed funding streams.
We will also seek Section 106 developer contributions linked to new housing developments in our surrounding parishes.
Grant Applications:
We are applying for major national and regional grants from bodies such as the National Lottery Community Fund, Sport England, and other charitable foundations that support community infrastructure projects.
Additional grants will be explored for sustainability initiatives, ensuring our building incorporates green energy solutions.
Fundraising and Community Contributions:
We will launch a community crowdfunding campaign, allowing individuals and businesses to invest in the future of Hadlow Down.
A series of fundraising events, including village fairs, sponsored activities, and community initiatives, will be organized to engage and unite residents in support of the project.
A sponsorship and benefactor programme will be established to attract contributions from local businesses and philanthropic individuals.
Charitable VAT Recovery & Phased Approach:
As a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), we can claim VAT relief on the Phase 1 build, generating approximately £400,000 in savings, which will be reinvested into Phase 2.
By adopting a phased approach, we ensure that we can proceed with construction in manageable stages:
Phase 1 (Village Hall): Estimated cost of £1.8 – £2 million.
Phase 2 (Sports Pavilion): Estimated at £800,000, reduced to £400,000 after VAT reclaim.
Call for Support
We recognize that raising £3 million is an ambitious goal, but with strong community backing, strategic partnerships, and support from local and national leaders, we are confident we can achieve it. We welcome guidance, funding leads, and advocacy from stakeholders who share our vision for a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable community space.