Worcestershire Community Foundation in partnership with Worcestershire County Council are launching a new £200,000 funding programme to support local communities through small grants, positively impacting all areas of the county. The Strengthening Worcestershire Fund will help alleviate a range of needs throughout Worcestershire and is inviting local businesses and donors to get involved; it will open to applications from early September, with funding delivered in December.
The aim of the new Fund is to support disadvantaged local communities which are continuing to experience the ongoing effects of cost-of-living, by delivering help for a wide range of projects via charities, community groups and social enterprises.
The priority areas of Strengthening Worcestershire include supporting with cost-of-living, reducing loneliness and isolation and helping people stay safe and well in their communities.
Types of projects which could be funded include community fridges/food banks; setting up/expanding local social groups or training staff/volunteers to deliver advice and support to disadvantaged groups.
The programme will welcome applications from charities and community groups of all kinds with grants of up to £5,000; larger organisations and innovative projects with wider impacts can bid for funding of up to £10,000.
Strengthening Worcestershire is offering an exciting match funding opportunity for Worcestershire’s businesses and donors to get involved and support their local communities. The Fund aims to raise a total of £200,000, with every £1 donated matched 1:1 by Worcestershire County Council, doubling the impact of the programme. By making a donation, businesses and individuals will double their money, so maximising the available funding.
Director of Worcestershire Community Foundation Lucy Wells stated:
‘We are delighted to be working with the Council on this new programme to support Worcestershire’s most needy areas. We urge businesses, charitable funders and individual donors to take the opportunity to get involved so that together we can double the funding to help strengthen Worcestershire’s invaluable charitable sector.’
Hannah Perrott, Assistant Director for Communities with Worcestershire County Council commented: ‘This is a unique programme which will help many people in local communities. We are really pleased to be working with the Community Foundation to develop this innovative approach to joint funding with the private sector.’
For more information on the Strengthening Worcestershire Fund or Worcestershire Community Foundation please contact Lucy Wells, Director
e: lucy.wells@worcscf.org.uk m: 07909 111812 www.worcscf.org.uk
For more information on Worcestershire County Council and their funding opportunities go to: https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/communities/community-services-directory