Housebuilder Miller Homes has officially launched its 2026 Community Fund, with grants of up to £2,000 available to support inspiring community projects.
The fund allows community groups and organisations to apply for support to deliver projects that help improve the areas they live in.
Grants from £250 to £2,000 are available, with a focus on initiatives that offer education, promote wellbeing, enhance the environment and encourage participation in sport and activities.
This year’s first funding round is open until April 29, with applications invited from grassroots groups, charities and community organisations making a positive impact.
Miller Homes has dedicated Fund Ambassadors, employees based across the regions who review applications and award funding twice a year. Local knowledge ensures funding lands with projects that respond directly to the needs and aspirations of individual communities.
Lauren Angus, sales director at Miller Homes North East, said: “Every year the Miller Homes Community Fund for 2026 supports some amazing projects and I’m delighted that we can continue our commitment to being good neighbours by supporting the communities in which we build.”
Since inception, the Community Fund has supported 39 initiatives, donating £35,000 to the good causes.
Find out how to apply here: https://www.millerhomes.co.uk/corporate/community-fund
An overgrown eyesore is being transformed into a vibrant community asset, thanks to the dedication of locals and funding from the Miller Homes Community Fund.
The Community Allotment project, led by the Grange Villa Residents Association (GVRA), has seen the creation of an urban oasis, providing residents with a place to meet, enjoy the outdoors and hone horticultural skills.
The project was part-funded by a £1,000 grant from the Miller Homes Community Fund, which promotes projects that deliver positive impact in communities across the region.
GVRA’s bid was successful due to the ambition of its plan to transform a patch of neglected garden in the heart of the village into a community garden that would benefit, and be used by, the entire village.
The plot had been a wilderness, housing a dilapidated 40 year old greenhouse, covered by invasive Himalayan balsam and only a few fruit trees and bushes proved salvageable.
Taking on the heavily overgrown plot, volunteers worked tirelessly to clear and develop the land, in the heart of the village, over six months. GVRA realised though, to truly transform the land, support was required and applied to the Community Fund.
Today, the transformation is well underway. Volunteers have cleared and turned over 80% of the land, installed weed suppressant covering and constructed handmade raised beds. A large polytunnel and meeting shed are in place with plans for a greenhouse, composting facilities, seating areas, flower beds, climbing arches, pumpkin patch, root vegetable area, fruit orchard and chicken coop.
Katie Johnson, Chair of GVRA, said the project is a source of pride for the village. “When we first stepped onto the plot it was overwhelming. Completely overgrown, we knew it would take a huge amount of work, but we had a shared vision and believed in what it could eventually become. Just a few months on, we can already see the difference.”
A grassroots organisation formed in late 2021, GVRA has a core membership of 15 members, committed to making positive, lasting improvements to their community. It has delivered a range of initiatives to strengthen community cohesion, including The Farm Shop, a food bank run in partnership with RefUSE Café; Disco With a Difference, an inclusive disco night for people with extra care needs; and Warm Spaces sessions in collaboration with Durham County Council.
The group has also organised celebrations, including a Jubilee party, Halloween events, Christmas parties, carol nights, pantomimes and a Coronation celebration.
Katie added: “Support from the Miller Homes Community Fund has been crucial. It allowed us to buy essential tools, groundworks materials, a polytunnel, manure, topsoil and seeds for the whole growing season. Without its backing, we couldn’t have progressed at this speed.”
Treasurer Kelly Forder added: “Every pound from the Community Fund has been invested directly into creating something sustainable for our community. It isn’t just about growing vegetables, it’s about growing confidence, skills and connections between people. The allotment is giving residents a reason to come together and feel proud of where they live.”
While 15 volunteers lead the work, the long-term vision is to involve schoolchildren, elderly residents and youth groups. RefUSE has agreed to run workshops on site, including sessions for those with additional care needs.
The project promotes volunteering, improves mental wellbeing, encourages physical activity, provides learning opportunities and improves access to healthy, homegrown food. Produce grown on the plot will be made available to the community, including through a planned “Spend an Hour” initiative, where residents can volunteer time and later share the harvest.
Ryan Lincoln, regional managing director of Miller Homes North East, said: “The commitment of the Grange Villa Residents Association is inspiring. This project demonstrates the power of community-led action and what can be achieved when locals are supported with the right funding at the right time.
“Through the Community Fund, we invest in projects that make a difference. The Grange Villa allotment is a fantastic example. It’s sustainable, improves wellbeing, helps tackle isolation and creates a shared space to be proud of that will be of benefit for years to come.”
