The Make a Difference Fund (MAD Funding) is a smaller fund set aside from the main Area Committee budgets each year to enable ‘quick fixes’. Up to 10% of each Area Committee's annual budget may be set aside for the MAD Fund and divided equally amongst the wards comprising the area. Typically, it is used to purchase small items or ‘one off' events.
Councillors can access the portion of the MAD Fund allocated to their ward to make local improvements. Each ward has an annual budget (see below, last updated 30/05/2024).
Remaining 2024/25 Make a Difference Fund budgets are:
Please click the different areas to view a map of ward boundaries and Councillor details.
Who and what do we fund?
Funding is available to make positive improvements within the ward area and is awarded to groups for small scale community initiatives that meet local community needs.
As with Area Committee funding, Ipswich Borough Council funds projects led by VCSFE groups/organisations. These must address at least one of the priorities outlined in the relevant Area Action Plan and benefit a significant number of people from within the specific ward area.
Below are the current local action plans:
Examples of items covered by MAD Funding:
Items that are not covered by MAD funding:
A full breakdown of the budget for each ward and examples of previously funded projects can be found at Area Committee Projects 2022/23
How to apply
To apply for a Making A Difference Grant please email the Community Engagement Team at communities@ipswich.gov.uk with the following information:
Once the team has received an application, eligibility will be checked before processing of the application begins.
Please click here for the full MAD funding guidelines which give a full outline of the application process and eligibility criteria.
The Community Engagement Team are here to help. Contact: communities@ipswich.gov.uk or 01473 432224 for guidance and support to complete applications. Alternatively, get in touch with your Ward Councillor to discuss your ideas further.
Further information on how we process and protect personal information.