The Fairness Fund

A new £1.2 million fund to support community-led change

Hastings Borough Council is launching The Fairness Fund, a new £1.2 million funding programme designed to support community-led projects that improve opportunities, health and wellbeing in some of Hastings' most underserved neighbourhoods / in communities where funding is needed the most. 
The fund, which will open for applications later this year, will provide predominantly capital funding for projects that deliver lasting social value and help tackle inequality across the town.

Funding will be available from Spring 2027, with a focus on grassroots organisations and community groups that understand local challenges and are best placed to develop solutions alongside local people.

Cllr Glenn Haffenden, leader of Hastings Borough Council, said: “The Fairness Fund is about investing in the people, places and communities that make Hastings special. We know that the best ideas often come from local people who understand the challenges and opportunities in their communities. Through this £1.2 million programme, we want to support those grassroots organisations and community groups that are making a real difference and help them create even greater impact.

I’m pleased we have been able to find the funding to support the Children’s University after East Sussex County Council were unable to keep funding this service and we’re excited to be bringing the Children's University programme to Hastings. By working with schools, families, employers and community organisations, we can give young people new experiences, raise aspirations and help them develop the skills and confidence they need for the future.”

A new Children's University for Hastings

A flagship project supported through The Fairness Fund will be the creation of a Children's University Academy for Hastings, delivered in partnership with London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT) and East Sussex County Council.

LSEAT manages the London South East Children's University in Bexley, an out-of-school learning and enrichment programme for children aged 5 to 14 that encourages learning beyond the classroom and helps raise aspirations through a wide range of experiences and activities.

The Hastings Children's University will provide opportunities for children and young people to explore new interests, develop confidence and broaden their horizons through participation in educational, cultural, environmental and community-based activities.

As part of the programme, the council are appointing a dedicated Children's University Co-ordinator, who will work alongside LSEAT to develop and deliver the initiative in Hastings. The role will work closely with primary schools, community organisations and local employers to create a network of opportunities for children and young people.

A key focus of the Hastings programme will be sustainability, environmental awareness and future skills. Working with local employers, businesses and organisations, children will have opportunities to explore careers, learn about environmental challenges and discover the skills needed for the future economy.

Through a range of experiences, challenges and activities, children will be encouraged to develop skills, discover new interests and gain recognition for their achievements, helping to build confidence and raise aspirations from an early age. They will also have the opportunity to earn a Passport to Learning and celebrate their achievements through a graduation-style ceremony.

Visit London South East Academies Trust - Children's University for more details.

Supporting local ideas and local ambition

The Fairness Fund will support projects that:

•    Improve educational opportunities and raise aspirations
•    Strengthen community health and wellbeing
•    Create opportunities for local people to develop skills and confidence
•    Improve community assets and facilities where they are needed most
•    Deliver long-term social value in neighbourhoods experiencing the greatest need.

Early investment already making a difference

Alongside the launch of The Fairness Fund, the council continues to invest in projects that support local people and strengthen local communities.

This includes continuing to support community development work in Broomgrove in Northeast Hastings, ensuring that the Community Development Worker role can continue its vital work in the area, helping residents and local organisations work together to improve outcomes and create opportunities within their neighbourhood.

The council is also awarding £10,000 to support CXK's new Youth Hub in Hastings town centre. The new facility, located on Cornwallis Street, will provide a dedicated space for young people to access support, advice and opportunities. Funding has been allocated to enable essential capital works required to bring the building into operation and ensure it is suitable for the new hub. This investment represents the final allocation from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme and will help bring a valuable new community asset into use for local young people.

Discover more details about CXK's work.

Further information about eligibility, priorities and how to apply will be published when the fund opens later this year.