'A fantastic opportunity' - Open call for project ideas of how to spend millions of pounds in Government funding in Boston
Community groups, charities, organisations, and resident groups in Boston are being invited to put forward project ideas that could potentially benefit from millions of pounds in Government funding.
Last year, the Government announced that 75 towns – including Boston – would receive up to £20m over 10 years to ‘tackle deprivation and turbocharge growth’.
The Plan for Neighbourhoods scheme (later renamed as The Pride in Place Programme) would help ‘left-behind’ areas ‘unleash their full potential’, it said.
Last week, it was announced the Pride in Place plan submitted by the Boston Town Board (now known as the Boston Neighbourhood Board) to the Government for approval had been ‘strongly endorsed’.
Now, the Boston Neighbourhood Board has launched an open call for project ideas.
Applicants just need to show their submissions fit with one or more of the chosen priorities:
- safety and security
- town centre revitalisation
- heritage and culture
- green spaces and connectivity
- education and skills
- health and wellbeing
- housing
- community capacity building
- youth engagement
Claire Foster, interim chairman of Boston Town Board, said: “Through our open call, we’re keen to draw out projects from people who live and work in Boston and who know so well what could make a difference in the town.
“At this stage, we’re just looking for good ideas. Applicants don’t have to have a fully formed project, nor do they have to be experienced in applying for funding.
“What is key is that the project ideas fit with the priorities that have been identified in our plan and which are based on community feedback.
“We are excited to see what’s possible in Boston and find out how we can ensure this investment makes a difference on the ground.
“This is just one of the many ways we’ll be involving people over the next 10 years, as we work together with the local community to deliver this funding for Boston.“
Applicants can fill in a form here: Boston Pride in Place Survey or download the form here: Pride-in-Place-Proposal-Form-and-Guidance.
Forms can also be picked up from the Boston Borough Council offices, or people can contact [email protected] for a copy of the form to be emailed or posted directly. Completed forms can be emailed to [email protected] or posted to Boston Neighbourhood Board via the Boston Borough Council offices.
There is also support available to help groups with the application process, with an online information session planned for 2pm on Thursday, April 16. Anyone wishing to attend this can book their place here: open call information session
The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday, May 4. The board will then consider all applications and will aim to allocate the first portion of Price in Place funding in June 2026.
Coun Mike Gilbert, Deputy Leader of Boston Borough Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people across Boston to put forward the ideas that matter most to them. Our communities know their neighbourhoods better than anyone, and we want to harness that insight to shape projects that will create real and lasting impact.
“I would encourage anyone with a vision for improving our town, whether big or small to please get involved; together we can ensure this funding supports initiatives that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of our borough’s residents.”
Anyone wishing to find out more can visit HERE.
The Pride in Place plan can be found HERE