John Denham MP has urged local and community groups to apply for their share of the Government's Ł130million Grassroots Grants scheme.
The Labour MP, who represents Southampton Itchen, said:
“Whether it's helping local clubs get hold of new kit, coaching new
volunteers or simply giving a community space a fresh lick of paint,
Grassroots Grants aim to make a real and immediate difference to the
work of any small and local community groups with annual incomes below
Ł20,000. The programme, funded by the Office of The Third Sector in
the Cabinet Office and administered by the Community Development
Foundation, offers grants of between Ł250 and Ł5,000 to support
activities that lie right at the heart of our local communities.”
To keep the process as simple and easy as possible for applicants, the
money is being distributed directly through local funders. In
Southampton the chosen funder organisation is the Hampshire and IOW
Community Foundation whose phone number 01256
776101.
Local, regional and national businesses are also invited to get
involved through investing in the scheme's innovative endowment match
challenge; the first of its kind in England.
Within the programme, the Government has set aside a Ł50million pot
from which it will match endowment investments from businesses. This
offers businesses the chance to contribute directly to supporting and
sustaining the communities in which they operate.
John Denham said: “I urge local leaders and businesses to make an
investment in the future of their community by contributing to the new
endowment funds. Every penny that goes in will return a much greater
value, particularly as donations will also be eligible for Gift Aid."
The City Council’s Community Chest also offers grant funding for
community groups. The closing dates for applications are at the end of
September, January and May. For more information phone 023 8083 4067 or
visit www.southampton.gov.uk/communitychest
