Hackney's voluntary and community sector (VCS) has until the 30 January to apply for a community chest grant of up to £1000 help support short-term or one-off activities, which fit with the Council's equality objective to foster good relations by building a strong sense of community, neighbourliness and pride.  
 
This is the first time such grants have been available and form part of Hackney Council's Voluntary and Community Sector Grants Programme for 2013/14, which will see local VCS organisations benefit from grant funding to support projects for Hackney residents.
Following a consultation with VCS colleagues, Hackney Council reviewed and made changes to its grants programme. Key additions along with the community chest grants has included the introduction of two rounds of applications for small grants. Improvements have also been made to the application process, which can now be done via a new online system.

The grants are offered across six themes: promoting work opportunities; raising educational achievement and aspirations; promoting health, well-being and independent living; helping to make Hackney safer; developing good neighbourhoods; and supporting environmental sustainability.

Cllr Jonathan McShane, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture, said: "The Council is fully supportive of the excellent work delivered by its voluntary and community sector, who provide support for so many of our residents. I'm delighted that despite economic difficulties we have been able to continue to offer grants to support this vital work."

The second round of applications for the small grants between £1000 and £5000 will open on Monday 6 May 2013.   The community chest grants will also see two further rounds of applications going live in May and September 2013.

Applications for the first round of community chest grants close at 5pm on Wednesday 30 January 2013.  To apply or to find out more about the grants programme, visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/community-partnerships 

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