Community groups across Hambleton can once again bid for a slice of £125,000 in grant aid.
Members of the district council’s Cabinet today (Tuesday 4 July) agreed to fund the scheme for a further 12 months – bringing the total allocated over the past three years to £375,000.
The Making a Difference scheme is open to local community groups and voluntary organisations which can apply for grants of between £2,500 and £20,000. Projects must seek to provide the best local solutions to local challenges, demonstrate community support and address one of the council’s priorities – driving economic vitality, enhancing health and wellbeing, caring for the environment or providing a special place to live.
This year £25,000 of the £125,000 a year fund has already been allocated to support libraries in the market towns – leaving £100,000 to share between the five towns and their surrounding areas.
Last year 29 community projects benefitted from the scheme – with grants helping village hall refurbishment projects, funding improvements to children’s play areas and helping sports clubs buy new equipment to encourage people to take part in sporting activities.
Council Leader Mark Robson explained: “The council is keen to support the wide range of community projects underway across the district that make a real difference to people’s lives. By making these grants available we are responding to the needs of our local communities and helping them help themselves.’’
The deadline for applications for the grant is Friday 30 September 2017, with a decision on which applications have been successful expected in November 2017.
For more information – or to apply for a grant – contact Peter Cole, Development Officer (Communities) on 01609 767212 or visit hambleton.gov.uk/grants