Community chest opens up funding opportunities
The fourth round of a council funded 'Community Chest' has been welcomed by the voluntary and community sectors in the Harrogate district who urge all local groups to apply for this funding.
Harrogate Borough Council first awarded grants from the Community Chest in 2007 as part of its plans to increase support for volunteers and community groups.
The budget for 2010 is £30,000.
Councillor Alan Skidmore, Cabinet Member for Resources, said:
"Community groups play a huge role in providing many essential services and activities in our district and like the public sector they are facing difficult economic times.
"It is challenging times for us all, but because of tight control of the council's funds we are able to have a fourth round of the 'Community Chest'.
We know from previous years that there is a very positive impact on the community from these grants and this scheme delivers an excellent return on this investment of public funds."
Money is available to support community, environmental, sports, play projects and activities.
Application forms are available from
www.harrogate.gov.uk/voluntary or from Ann Byrne, Corporate Improvement Officer (Partnerships) on 01423 556067 or email
ann.byrne@harrogate.gov.uk The web site also details grants that were awarded in previous rounds.
Grants are available of between £500 and £3000.
The closing date for applications is 30 September 2010.
All applications will be assessed together in October 2010.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
In 2009, the following community chest grants were issued:
£680
Harrogate Samaritans
£632
Mental Health Project Group
£851
Nidderdale Junior Athletics Club
£1000
Penny Pot Community Forum
£1935
Ripon Sailing Club
£1966
Orb Community Enterprise
£3000
Harrogate Skills 4 Living
£3000
Great Ouseburn Village Hall
£3500
Nidderdale Visual Arts
£3808
Pott and Agill Study Group
£4000
Bishop Monkton Entertainments' Group
£4000
Scotton Scorcher's Junior Football Club
£4214
Harrogate and Knaresborough Toy Library
Each year, the council also provides over £300,000 in grant support to the running costs of key local charitable organisations