From April Fool's Day local groups in East Hampshire can apply for funding that will make a serious difference to their communities.
From 1 April we are opening the Supporting Communities Fund, an annual grant scheme which provides money for clubs and organisations working to benefit their local area.
Groups can apply for up to £25,000 to support one-off projects or up to £30,000, spread across three years, to support income streams.
The projects must meet one of the following criteria. It must:
- support positive mental health in residents, in particular young people
- reduce social isolation in residents, in particular older people
- support a community's ability to thrive by building strong community resilience
The deadline for applications closes on Sunday 14 May.
Cllr Julie Butler, EHDC Deputy Leader, said: “Every three years EHDC puts £1 million into the Supporting Communities Fund to give local groups the money they need to deliver fantastic local projects and services.
“Our voluntary groups and charities do so much vital work in our communities. By providing sport facilities, lunch clubs, youth centres or any number of other fantastic activities they help make East Hampshire an amazing place to live.
“If your group wants to set up a new community-run project or scheme, and you need the financial backing to make it happen, make sure you apply to our Supporting Communities Fund.
“Our application process may begin on April Fool's Day but our grants will make a serious difference to your club’s plans!”
Last year our Supporting Communities Fund awarded more than £325,000 to support the ambitions of 21 local organisations.
For more information visit the Supporting Communities Fund page