27th July 2007, 07/250
New funding opportunities for voluntary and community
groups
Brand new grant awards are now available for voluntary and
community groups in West Lancashire with the launch of a 'Strategic
Fund'.
For the first time ever, West Lancashire District Council is
launching this funding scheme and has put a pot of money aside to
help assist groups to make improvements to the services they
provide.
Organisations who apply for funding must be voluntary, community or
non-profit making groups and the idea is that they use this new
grant assistance to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness,
provide new or additional services, further their capacity or
increase community capital and help to further the Council's and
its partners objectives.
There is no minimum or maximum amount that groups can apply for and
it can be for revenue or capital grants on a one, two or three year
basis.
This latest funding initiative is the result of a review, which
revealed a need for this type of grant scheme.
It complements the Council's existing Community Chest Grants, which
are available for all community groups and individuals who are in
need of funds for their special projects/activities.
Cllr Rob Bailey, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, said: "This is the
first time we have made this type of funding available to help
community and voluntary groups enhance the invaluable services they
provide - and it reflects the importance we place on such groups.
They play a pivotal role in improving people's quality of life
which is why we want to help them as much as possible. I'd
encourage anyone who thinks they meet the criteria to get in
touch.
"I'm sure this new Strategic Fund will also have just as much
impact as our other grant schemes in helping others. I'd also urge
people to contact us if they are more suited to our Community Chest
Grants, which is another excellent scheme and very
successful."
Anyone who would like to know more about the Strategic Fund or the
Community Chest, or to make an application, please contact Sue
Griffiths or Jill jones, Legal and Member Services, West Lancashire
District Council, 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk, L39 2DF, or telephone
01695 585017.
The closing date for applications for the Strategic Fund and the
Community Chest is 31st August.
You can also visit the website for information about Council grants
at the Grants for voluntary groups section
Related information
> Council
news
> Grants for voluntary groups