The three-year funding deal by South Cambridgeshire District Council will see money available for groups supporting communities on issues ranging from community transport and homelessness to living independently and support for people for upcoming national changes to benefits.
The Council’s new Grants Advisory Committee will assess bids and debate where funding should be invested.
Providing a three-year funding package is designed to help the voluntary sector and community organisations plan and programme their work as nationally the number of grants available has fallen.
The areas of work service support grant funding is available for are:
- Housing options advice and services preventing and relieving homelessness
- Community transport
- Specialist welfare advice
- General welfare advice
- Independent living
- Fit to learn
- Support for parishes and communities
The Council is looking for services to be delivered to the entire district but would welcome bids from organisations looking to cover part of the area as more than one group can be successful in each category. New organisations and groups who have never applied for funding are also being urged to bid.
Cllr Jose Hales, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Chairman of the Grants Advisory Committee, said: “Our aim is make sure the grants we provide are really supporting our communities by matching them up with the priorities that have been identified. The committee will assess the bids we receive and ensure the grants we provide go to the heart of our communities.”
Cllr Bridget Smith, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Voluntary and community groups provide fantastic and vital services in the area and it is good news for them that we are able to offer a three-year grants so they can plan their activities with certainty. Please do not miss this opportunity to bid for funding, even if you have never applied for a grant before.”
Grant applications are now open and close on Friday 16 November.
Find full details of the service support grants available along with application forms