Council revamps grants scheme for community and voluntary groups as it feels the financial pinch
Grants to support Uttlesford’s voluntary sector are being scaled back in a bid to “make the best” of available money.
Uttlesford District Council announced this week it had revamped the way it funds community activities and has opened a new range of grants for applications.
The authority said Uttlesford’s “vibrant community and voluntary sector” was traditionally provided with an annual grant to help organisations run activities and services throughout the area.
However, following discussions with voluntary and community organisations, town and parish councils and other statutory agencies, the community grants scheme has been adapted. From next year, grants will be awarded through a service specification process and run over a longer three-year period.
There will also be some money available for small one-off projects which will launch in the New Year.
Leader of the council Petrina Lees (Residents for Uttlesford) said: “We have a very proud record of funding our fantastic voluntary and community sector and we will continue to support it as much as we can.
“Unfortunately, like councils up and down the country, Uttlesford is facing significant financial challenges and there is simply less money to go round. This new grant funding arrangement seeks to make the best of the resources available, whilst providing guaranteed funding over a longer period to organisations that are doing great work in supporting our communities.”
Community and voluntary groups that work in the following areas will be able to apply for funding under the new grant scheme:
Providing information, advice and guidance
Rural isolation and community transport
Healthy, resilient and active communities, including mental health, sports and leisure
Youth services
The application guidelines and application forms can be found on the council’s website: www.uttlesford.gov.uk/community-grants.
All applications and supporting information must be submitted by 5pm on December 20 by email to: communityresponse@uttlesford.gov.uk.