Groups in the Newton Aycliffe and Middridge are set to benefit from a new pot of funding dedicated to small community minded organisations.
The fund, which has been developed by the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP) and the local community and voluntary organisations support group CAVOS, will provide a valuable source of funding to all non profit making organisations in that area.
The overall aim of the project is to provide support for groups to organise projects they would not normally be able to finance.
Groups can apply for up to £1,000 and applications are sought from charities, community groups and any non profit organisation for projects that will directly benefit the area and improve the lives of local people.
Brian Riley, GAMP coordinator, said: “A key priority for GAMP is to help support the local community and voluntary sector. “Building on the success of previous rounds of small grant funding, it is anticipated that a significant number of local community groups will be able to develop projects that benefit all members of the community.”
Laura Agar Wilson, CAVOS development manager, said: “CAVOS is delighted to be working in partnership with GAMP to support them in administering this excellent source of funding to local community and voluntary organisations for yet another year.”
All applications will be considered, especially those which meet GAMPs priorities which are: activities for young people support to the voluntary and community sector and employment, enterprise, education and training.
This first round of funding is only open to local voluntary and community groups working within the Great Aycliffe & Middridge Partnership area that have not previously received a GAMP small grants award. However, small groups that are not formally set-up (i.e. un-constituted) may have a larger constituted group apply for funds on their behalf even if that larger group has had previous GAMP funding. For example a local community centre could apply on behalf of a small craft club that runs from their centre. The deadline for the first round of applications is Friday 27th July.
If funding permits, a second round will be launched for groups who have previously benefited. Application packs are available from CAVOS by calling 01388 811 115 or by emailing: enquiries@cavos.org.uk.
GAMP has allocated £10,000 to the project from its Area Budget with councillors John Moran, Sarah Iveson, Joan Gray, Paul Gittins, Mike Dixon and Enid Paylor giving £2,000 each from their Neighbourhood Budget allocation.