NORTH NORFOLK COMMUNITY GROUPS INVITED TO APPLY FOR GRANTS
Community groups in north Norfolk have the chance to win grants of up to £5,000 with the launch of the latest round of funding from the Victory Housing Community Fund.
The Fund, which aims to provide support for groups which are making a difference at grassroots level in local communities, will give out a total of £17,500 in this grants round, bringing the total amount donated since the Fund started in 2008 to £343,500.
Charities, voluntary groups, community organisations and parish councils are being invited to bid for up to £5,000, which can be used for a wide range of purposes, including capital projects, venue hire, equipment, start-up expenses and training.
The last round of grants, in November, saw seven community groups receive gifts of between £440 and £4,000, to help with projects as diverse as providing free legal advice to local people, providing play and gymnastics equipment, helping local people develop skills, and even contributing towards the cost of a new lawnmower for a community bowls club.
The decision about which community organisations receive a share of the latest cash injection will be made in April by a panel made up of Victory Housing Trust residents, advised by the grants team at Norfolk Community Foundation, which administers the fund on behalf of Victory.
“Despite the well-publicised squeeze on housing associations’ funding, the Victory Board has decided that our Community Fund is an important part of what we do to support those who are working to make north Norfolk a better place to live – and so they have agreed to provide funding for grants for the next year,” said Victory chief executive John Archibald.
“Over the past eight years we have given out 116 grants to a huge variety of fantastic community organisations, enabling them to make a real difference at a grassroots level.
“The process of applying for a grant is simple and user-friendly, and we hope in particular that we will see organisations who have not applied before coming forward to bid for funding this time.”
Applications for grants can be made by any organisation or group established for charitable purposes, provided there is a formal structure which allows for monitoring of activity and feedback – official charitable status is not necessary. The Fund is looking for applications from voluntary and community groups in the north of Norfolk whose primary aim is to improve the quality of people’s lives.
Full details of how to apply for grants from the Victory Housing Community Fund can be found at www.norfolkfoundation.com/funds/victory-housing-trust-community-fund. The closing date for receiving grant applications is Wednesday 16th March.