Local community groups and projects can get the extra funding support they need thanks to the member grant scheme.
Almost £113,000 funding is available from local councillors, as each of Swale’s 47 councillors has £2,400 available to support small-scale, local community projects through the member grants scheme. From Monday 3rd June, community groups throughout Swale can bid for funding for projects that provide benefits in areas including culture, sport, recreation, health, environment and community safety.
The application process is easy; groups simply need to discuss the project with their local councillor in order to get their support and fill in a simple application form.
Cllr Roger Truelove, leader of Swale Borough Council, said:
“Local projects and community groups make such a difference to our neighbourhoods. From larger community led organisations, to smaller one-off projects, they all deserve as much help as they can get.
These grants are the perfect way for us to help these groups continue with their hard work and efforts.”
Just some of the previous projects and organisations that received funding from the member grants scheme include:
• Rotary Club of Sittingbourne Invicta - £850 provided by five local councillors to provide a 10k and 2k fun run.
• Sittingbourne Food Bank - £3,050 provided by nine local councillors to help provide funds for storage.
• Children Centre’s Early Help - £1,000 provided by eight local councillors to fund a children’s Christmas party for disadvantaged families within the area.
• Sittingbourne Christmas Lights Association - £400 provided by two local councillors to provide an Autism Chill Out Zone at the Christmas Lights.
• Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey - £2,000 provided by three local councillors to help provide the Dementia Café for the local community. The group was named Alzheimer’s Society National Youth Champions 2018 for the Dementia Café. The award was presented by Angela Rippon CBE November 2018 Royal Horseguards Hotel, London. Paul Murray from the Oasis Academy Dementia Café said: “Without the funding this would have not been possible.”
To find out more about member grants visit: www.swale.gov.uk/member-grants or contact your local ward councillor.
The member grant scheme is not the only funding available this financial year. Organisations can also apply for:
• Heritage Grants - £10,000 is available in the Heritage Grants pot.
To apply, visit: www.swale.gov.uk/heritage-grants
• Culture Grants – there is £10,000 allocated in the Culture Grants Fund.
To find out more, visit: www.swale.gov.uk/culture-grants
• Sports and Physical Activity Grants - funding of £20,000 is available for this financial year.
To find out about how to apply, visit: www.swale.gov.uk/sport-and-physical-activity-grant
• Environment Grants - after the successful trial of a new Environment Grants earlier this year, we have reopened it for this financial year, with £5,000 available: www.swale.gov.uk/environment-grants
Swale Borough Council
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