Apply now for the latest round of Wealden Community Grants
There is still time to apply for the 2007 round of Wealden Community Grants. The deadline for applications is November 30, 2006.
“In the last round of Wealden Community Grants, 50 community groups in the district benefited from over £380,000 of funding,” says Councillor David Logan, Cabinet Member for Finance. “It’s a great way of getting a new project off the ground, or making sure existing projects can continue to deliver.”
“But applicants must remember we get many requests for support, so we do our best to make sure public grants fulfil one or more of the aims of our Community Strategy.”
Wealden’s Community Strategy focuses on eight themes involving the Environment, Health and Social Care, Housing, Learning, Leisure, Prosperity, Safety and Transport. More information can be found on the website. wealdencommunitystrategy.co.uk
Last year’s programme was three times oversubscribed and even more applications are expected this year. It is important therefore for applicants to identify how their project ties in with the aims of the Community Strategy.
One project who secured funding was VIEW CRAFT. VIEW CRAFT meets on Tuesday mornings in term time at Herstmonceux village hall, but attracts people from as far as Crowborough and Uckfield to take part in mosaic work, woodcarving, pottery, cane work and peg loom weaving. The charity receives £6,750 from the Wealden Community Fund over three years to help cover running costs and tutors’ fees.
“Funding from Wealden’s Community Grant Scheme helped keep VIEW CRAFT going after its first year, and we have since seen our numbers double,“ explains organiser Jenny Todd. “We provide art and craft activities for the blind and partially sighted. Many of our participants are over 70, and the fact that they are actively making something gives the whole session a real buzz.”
Wealden Community Grants can be used for the general day-to-day running costs for an organisation, such as salaries, marketing, and volunteer expenses; project costs where a particular project is taking place on top of a group’s usual activities; and one-off costs to organise events or purchase equipment. But remember, the deadline for applications for the 2007 financial year is November 30 2006.
If you would like an application form and further information on the Community Grants programme please contact Liz Padgham on 01323 443520 or via email communitygrants@wealden.gov.uk
