Partner Article

£2m over three years for community groups

Small community groups across the North East are set to benefit from a £2m cash injection from the Community Foundation thanks to a new government initiative called Grassroots Grants.

Grants of between £250 and £5000 will be available for small community and voluntary groups that have a turnover of less than £20,000 per year, have a record of income and expenditure and have been established with a constitution for at least year.

Sue Martin, Grassroots Grants Officer said: “We are welcoming applications from groups across Tyne & Wear and Northumberland; particularly from groups new to funding and any small group that feels a small amount of money will make a big difference in their community.”

The City of Newcastle Pipe Band was the first group in Newcastle to benefit from the money, with a grant for £3,000 to buy four new sets of bagpipes to be used as part of an equipment pool within the group. The group has recently qualified for all five of the major championships for 2009 including the World Championships in Glasgow.

Robert Durie, Drum Major and Senior Fundraiser for the City of Newcastle Pipe Band said: “The new Grassroots Grants scheme is a marvellous way to get much-needed funds to the small community groups in our region. It’s great that we are the first group in Newcastle to receive a grant and we are looking forward to testing the new pipes out in November at the Armistice Day Parade.”

The money is part of £130m nationwide drive by the government to support groups and projects across the country.

Organisations are being invited to apply for a grant now so if you would like more information or to find out if your group qualifies for a grant please visit www.communityfoundation.org.uk and click on funds/grassroots grants.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .