There are still many communities in the UK that suffer from economic and social deprivation and the current economic climate may make this situation worse.
For this reason, Comic Relief has decided that £4.5 million should be available to fund projects across the UK which are addressing these issues through the 'Local Communities' programme.
The Local Communities programme will run for two years and during this time, grants of between £1000 and £10,000 will be available.
The programme aims to empower local people, enabling them to create lasting change in their communities. Projects should be run by people directly affected by the issues they are dealing with and priority will be given to small, locally based groups or organisations in areas of disadvantage that have a clear understanding of the needs of their community.
Under the programme, organisations can apply for funding to:
• Increase local services
• Build skills of local people
• Increase community cohesion
• Respond to local economic needs
Organisations which have received a Community Cash grant or any other grant from a Community Foundation can apply for a Local Communities grant. However organisations which hold a grant directly from Comic Relief, can not apply for a Local Communities Grant.
A Local Communities grant must be at least 30% of the total cost of the project.
Who can apply?
• Community Groups
• Resident Associations
• Community Centres
• Social Enterprises/Community Interest Companies/Community Interest Organisations
• Credit Unions
Types of activities that might be funded
• Community sport activities
• Furniture projects
• Projects providing access to benefits advice
• Projects combating fuel poverty
• Community consultation exercises
• Community employment projects
• Food co-ops
• Running costs; including salaries, core costs and project costs
• Committee and volunteer/staff training
For further information and to apply, visit: http://forevermanchester.com/apply-for-funding/comic-relief-local-communities-programme/, or contact 0161 214 0940, or email: [email protected]
Deadline: Friday 31 January 2014, 12:00