£1 million fund seeks to champion grassroots projects

A new fund worth £1 million has been announced to empower grassroots community projects, focusing on cohesion and inclusivity across the North East.

The Mayor’s Opportunity Fund, announced by North East mayor Kim McGuinness at the Voluntary Organisations Network North East (VONNE) annual conference, will deliver £225,000 in its first round to support initiatives that address social pressures across the region, helping “bring communities together” and “create opportunities for people and places” so they can “look forward to a brighter tomorrow”.

Mayor McGuinness said: “My job as mayor is to make the North East the home of real opportunity for people who live here, and my mission is to end the days where children in our region grow up in poverty.

“The means to do that exists in our communities, thanks to the work of grassroots charities and volunteers, who sacrifice so much to help others.

“But after 14 years of cuts people in the sector are exhausted and running on empty.  

“As mayor I’m determined to rebuild our communities, and one part of this is to back those charities who bring people together, tackle poverty and create opportunity for others.  

“We will invest £1 million over the next two years in projects that will make a difference in local streets, villages and towns all over the North East.

“And this is just a start, because we are also working to bring in more funding so the sector can thrive, and continue to offer support, hope and optimism to people all over the region.” 

The fund, administered by Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland and Point North, in partnership with the North East Combined Authority, reflects the region’s commitment to fostering a fairer, more inclusive society.

Rob Williamson, chief executive officer at the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, added: “We are excited to be partnering with the North East Combined Authority on this first round of the Mayor’s Opportunity Fund.

“Alongside our colleagues at Point North, we will bring our knowledge and funding expertise to work with mayor Kim McGuiness so the fund can effectively support organisations bringing communities together to make them more resilient.”

His comments were echoed by Michelle Cooper, chief executive at Point North, who added: “The Mayor’s Opportunity Fund is exactly the kind of initiative we need more of here in the North East.

“Not only will it support organisations tackling poverty today, but it has an eye on the future - creating opportunities for people and places, so that anyone facing hardship in our region can look forward to a brighter tomorrow.

“We’re delighted to work with Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland to ensure this fund makes a lasting difference to the people who need it the most.”  

Organisations delivering local projects that strengthen community ties are encouraged to apply, with funding outcomes expected by February 2025. Organisations seeking funding can find out more on the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland website.

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