Grimsby residents handed power to decide which local projects get £10,000 grants

People in Grimsby are being invited to help decide which local ideas deserve funding through a new community scheme aiming to put residents at the centre of decision making.

The “Give it a Go” programme has launched as the first phase of the wider Growing Together Fund - offering grants of up to £10,000 for projects linked to areas including arts, education, health, housing and community activity.

But organisers say the most important part of the scheme is not just the funding itself - it’s who gets to decide where the money goes.

Residents are being encouraged to apply to become “decision makers”, reviewing shortlisted applications and helping choose which projects receive support.

Crystal Ness, operational lead for North East Lincolnshire at Our Future, said the scheme is built around the idea that local people understand the town best.

“The people with the best ideas and the best idea of how things can be changed and improved are the people that live in the community. This is their place. It should be their choice.”

She said organisers want people from across Grimsby to feel involved in shaping the town’s future.

“What the people of Grimsby want is to have a voice and this is their opportunity.”

Decision makers will take part in online or face-to-face sessions expected to last around three hours, where they’ll help allocate the funding between projects.

“They are designed to be really fun. They’re not intimidating," said Crystal.

People taking part will be given “vouchers” representing a share of the available funding, which they can place towards the projects they believe would make the biggest difference.

Crystal described it as a way of giving residents genuine influence over how money is spent in the town.

“It is pound for pound real money.”

Applications to apply for funding or become a decision maker are open until June 5.