Community grant scheme open for applications
09 Jun 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Community and voluntary groups in need of financial assistance to deliver local projects are being invited to apply for funding from Northumberland County Council’s community chest fund.
The council has made £300,000 available to community groups to support activities that will benefit and are needed by local communities and also those that assist in the county’s recovery from Covid- 19.
This year, the community chest fund has been topped up with £4,500 from the Northumberland Lottery, a new fund that aims to raise money for worthy local causes.
The grant scheme is open to any voluntary or community, not-for-profit groups or organisations based in, or predominantly serving Northumberland.
In acknowledgement of the new challenges and changing circumstances around the coronavirus pandemic, parish councils can also apply for funding for capital costs for projects that support Covid-19 related schemes.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available and there is no minimum amount for applications. Schemes that are related to Covid-19 are eligible for 100 % funding, while other community schemes are eligible for 75% funding.
The money can be used for a range of community causes including those that enhance the environment, strengthen communities and which promote health and wellbeing.
The council is particularly keen to hear from organisations that have not previously received funding through the scheme.
Northumberland County Councillor Barry Flux, business chair said:
“In recognition of the challenges local communities and group have faced around the coronavirus pandemic, we have continued to expand the scope and eligibility of our community grant scheme to help the many local causes carry out their good work.”
The deadline for the next round of funding applications is June 25 2021. The application process has been made as simple as possible and applications will be considered by funding panels made up of councillors from across the county.
For more information about the fund, or for an application form, log on to www.northumberland.gov.uk