Farnham's residents' associations and community groups are being encouraged to work more closely together as a £500,000 funding opportunity opens up for projects benefiting the town.

Farnham Voice an independent community information hub is calling for local organisations and residents associations to join a proposed community working group, sharing ideas, experience and resources to help turn residents' concerns into practical improvements.

The opportunity comes with Farnham Town Council's new Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) fund, financed through the council's share of charges on new developments in the town.

The £500,000 fund could support projects including safer footpaths, cycle routes, playgrounds, green spaces, sports facilities and improvements to community buildings.

Grants range from £500 to £10,000 for micro projects, which can be applied for throughout the year. Applications for small grants of up to £25,000 and larger awards must be submitted by 3 January 2027, with decisions expected on 11 March.

However, applications must come from eligible organisations, not individual residents, and projects must demonstrate how they address pressures created by Farnham's growing population.

Farnham Voice believes collaboration will be essential to get results Farnham needs. It has proposed a working group where associations can share proposals, learn from each other's experiences and potentially strengthen funding applications.

A second proposal is a public online Community Board, allowing residents to see what projects are being considered, which organisations are leading them, and how work is progressing.

The board is currently a mock-up, with its design and operation open for discussion. Each association would retain its independence and manage its own information.

Farnham Voice says the initiative is about more than securing CIL funding. Changes to planning decisions also raising concerns about residents' influence, with better communication needed between community groups to strengthen the town's collective voice.

Local residents' associations and community organisations are being invited to help shape the proposals and take part.

The full proposal and interactive board mock-up are available at farnhamvoice.uk.