Community groups in Castle Morpeth are being encouraged to bid for support in a successful county-wide funding scheme.
Community Chest, run by Northumberland County Council, awards grants of up to £5,000 to support community groups and organisations county-wide. The funding can help with costs by issuing 75% of the total amount required, towards equipment for community group activities and sports, venue refurbishments, transport facilities and much more.
More than 1,500 projects have benefitted from £2.8 million in grants since 2009, which has contributed or helped towards £20 million worth of projects within Northumberland.
The 1st Ellington Brownies recently received a grant of £500 to help with the cost of new sporting equipment for the young members.
Leader Gillian Teasdale said: “The grant has been extremely beneficial for the girls individually, as well as improving their team player skills.
“Before applying for the grant, we didn’t have any suitable equipment for outdoor activities. The new sporting equipment provides the girls with the opportunity to be active and healthy, as well as having fun.”
A ‘Help for You’ fund is also available, which offers grants of up to £200 for young people aged under 18 to support them in pursuing an ambition. A maximum of £2,000 is available for each local area. Any young person considering applying should demonstrate leadership, sporting excellence or another endeavour, which will inspire other young people or project a positive role model for others to follow.
Cllr Nick Oliver, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services at Northumberland County Council, said: “The Community Chest Fund is a fantastic opportunity for local community groups and organisations to enhance their services which will ultimately benefit the local community.
“The 1st Ellington Brownies is a great example of how the funding can make a difference to local people.”
“The scheme contributes to achieving our ambition for Northumberland, which is to support voluntary and community groups and organisations to deliver activities to maintain and create sustainable communities.”
The closing date for Community Chest Scheme applications is 12th January 2018.
For more information visit: www.northumberland.gov.uk/
or email: communitychest@northumberland.