11
July
2013
|
16:56
Europe/London

Hackney announces more voluntary sector grants for 2014/15

Anna Fiorentini Film & Theatre School show at Hackney Empire

Hackney Council is set to launch its 2014/15 voluntary and community sector (VCS) grants programme, which will see local voluntary and community organisations benefit from grant funding to support projects for Hackney residents.

Eligible organisations are able to apply for the grants from £1,000 to £40,000, which will be offered across the six objectives contained within the Sustainable Community Strategy:

  • Promoting work opportunities
  • Raising educational achievement and aspirations
  • Promoting health, well-being and independent living
  • Helping to make Hackney safer
  • Developing good neighbourhoods
  • Supporting environmental sustainability.

Grants will also be available for Holiday playschemes.

Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture, Hackney Council
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.
Cllr Jonathan McShane, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care and Culture, Hackney Council

The programme supports the a range of projects such as youth activity schemes for children and young people, health advice, employment support advice and improved safety in the borough. 136 grants have been awarded from this year's (2013/14) £2.5 million programme with another round of Community Chest grants of up to £1,000 opening for applications in September.

Case study: The Anna Fiorentini Film & Theatre School

This not for profit, award winning film and theatre schools provides a safe and supportive environment for young people to explore the performing arts. Drama, film, dance and singing classes are provided as well as alternatives such as set and costume design.

£4,200 from Hackney Council's VCS grants programme has helped to subsidise or provide free part-time placements at the school for 15 Hackney young people aged between 7-18  years from low income backgrounds, enabling them to participate in a highly professional environment for either personal or career development, learning valuable life enhancing skills.