So, it’s out. The specification for Youth Fund 2013-15 (R3) is now out there; if you’ve not seen it yet then go to: www.manchestercommunitycentral.org/manchester-youth-fund-and-play-fund-…, where you will find all the documentation and how to get support.
There’s lots of ways in which Youth Fund Round 3 is an evolution from previous rounds. The Council has demonstrated a willingness not just to listen, by way of the July Consultation, and the VCFS Reference Group in November, but to learn and to make significant changes to the way they do things. Most things, like an 8-week turnaround for applications and 3 months notice on decisions, are simply good practice, something we should expect, but at least they committed to doing this from the off and stuck to it (resulting in the 3-month extension to R1&2 contracts). Other commitments, such as targeting the fund on our own voluntary and community sector, demonstrates a recognition both of the value of our work, as well as the impact of good partnership working in recent times. It also reflects a determination to keep the resource within Manchester.
It’s not just the Council that are learning from experience, but we are too - VCS infrastructure organisations. Voluntary organisations in Manchester will hopefully be aware of the considerable changes that have taken place in infrastructure support over the last year or two, reflected in this website. Nonetheless, in the support we are offering you through the next couple of months (and beyond), we hope to demonstrate this via an integrated offer to voluntary, community and faith organisations seeking funding for youth and play activities. With VYM, Macc and Manchester Community Central each playing to our strengths and doing what we do best, we think it will enable us to support the sector more effectively and in so doing help you to demonstrate your strengths most effectively in your applications.
Remember, we are just an email or phone call away.