Stockton community venues offered grants of up to £2,000

Community venues across Stockton-on-Tees can apply for grants of up to £2,000 through a council fund that is open until Tuesday 24 November 2026.

The Community Spaces Fund is aimed at places that give residents somewhere free, warm and welcoming to spend time. It follows the borough’s move to keep these venues available throughout the year, rather than treating them only as a winter response.

Who can apply

Applications are restricted to venues already registered with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council as a Community Space. They must also have signed the scheme’s charter, which sets out the standards expected from participating organisations and visitors.

The council describes the grant as financial help for eligible venues, but its public summary does not list the costs that can be funded or say when decisions will be made. Organisations should therefore check the application form carefully before committing to any spending. Questions can be sent to the Community Engagement team at engagement@stockton.gov.uk.

A year-round network

Community Spaces were previously known as Warm Spaces. The council says the change reflects a wider purpose: these are free, non-judgmental places where people can find shelter, reduce pressure on household bills, avoid isolation and get information or practical support.

The borough’s online directory lists venues in Stockton centre, Billingham, Thornaby, Norton, Yarm and other communities. Individual entries give opening times and details such as accessible entrances, Wi-Fi, refreshments, activities, advice, book borrowing and charging facilities. Services differ from one place to another, so residents are advised to check the relevant listing before travelling.

Under the Community Spaces Charter, staff and volunteers should offer a welcome, treat people with dignity and respect, follow safeguarding and health and safety procedures, and handle personal information sensitively. The charter also makes clear that visitors are expected to respect each venue’s rules and other people using the space.

What happens next

Existing registered spaces can apply through the council’s Community Spaces Fund page. The deadline is Tuesday 24 November, leaving venues less than two weeks to prepare an application.

Organisations that are not yet part of the network can still apply separately to become a Community Space, although registration alone does not make them eligible for this funding round unless the fund’s requirements are met before the deadline. The council’s main Community Spaces page also links to the current directory, activities and wider cost-of-living support.