Are you involved in a local charitable or community group with a need for some additional funding?
Local charities and community groups can now apply for funds to help them support communities living in the Lancaster district.
Lancaster City Council and Lancaster District CVS are inviting local charities and community groups needing help to deliver projects and activities which will benefit local people to apply for funding from the Lancaster Community Fund.
The fund is made up of several charity funds donated to Lancaster City Council to support those living in disadvantaged areas of the community.
Organisations can apply for grants of up to £1,000 and applications from new start up groups and small grassroots groups are particularly welcomed.
Examples of projects that the Lancaster Community Fund is looking to support are as follows:
• Activities for young people and equipment
• Improvements to outdoor public spaces such as community clean ups
• Training for volunteers
• Community sports activities
• Projects to reduce social isolation for vulnerable groups
• Social enterprise activities
• Money advice projects
Applications will be assessed on a quarterly basis by a panel consisting of city council, health and voluntary sector representatives, and two elected members of Lancaster City Council.
Councillor Alistair Sinclair, Cabinet member for Community Health and Wellbeing, said: “The launch of the Lancaster Community Fund is great news, particularly at this difficult time. It is hoped that the financial assistance on offer will bring about many benefits for organisations and community groups who make a real difference to people’s lives by increasing community involvement, improving individual and community wellbeing, building community wealth and resilience as well as supporting projects that contribute towards carbon reduction and a more sustainable district.
“With so much for our communities and the environment to gain from these grants, I would urge organisations and community groups, large, small, old and new, to apply for their share of the financial support on offer so they can build on the fantastic work that they are already doing for others.”
Yak Patel, CEO of Lancaster District CVS, said: “Voluntary and community groups play such a vital role in the health and wellbeing of our residents, so the Lancaster Community Fund provides a much welcome opportunity to support their work.
“Local groups provide so much support across the district, which has been particularly evident over the last six months, so please do apply if your project is currently in need of funding – help is available for groups thinking of applying, so please do get in touch with my team to discuss your needs.”
To check if you are eligible to apply for a grant and for full details, visit www.lancastercvs.org.uk/funding Anyone needing further details or assistance can email funding@lancastercvs.org.uk or telephone 01524 555900.
Applications for the first rounds of grants should be received by no later than October 31 2020.