London,
01
November
2012
|
23:00
Europe/London

Hackney's voluntary community set to benefit from Council's grant fund

Hackney Council has launchedits  Small Grants programme which will see local voluntaryand community sector (VCS) organisations benefit from grant funding to supportprojects for Hackney residents.

The funds are from the Council's Voluntary andCommunity Sector Grants Programme for2013/14, which is offering VCS groups between £1,000to £5,000 for projects that contribute toHackney's sustainable community strategy objectives, including: promoting workopportunities; raising educational achievement and aspirations; promotinghealth, well-being and independent living; helping to make Hackney safer;developing good neighbourhoods; and supporting environmental sustainability.

The2012/13  Small Grants fund will help 10projects within the borough and the 2013/14 programme has funds to support up to20 initiatives. Recent improvements have been made to the application process,which can now be done via an online system.

CllrJonathan McShane, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care andCulture, said: "The Council is fully supportive of the excellent work deliveredby its voluntary and community sector, who provide support for so many of ourresidents.  These grants are targeted at smaller communityorganisations to help assist with their ongoingwork, special projects or events. I'm delighted that despite economicdifficulties we have been able to continue to offer funds to support this crucialwork."

Last year, 75organisations received a share of £2.5 millionfrom the Voluntary and Community Grants Programme to deliver a range ofprojects such as holiday play schemes for children and young people, healthadvice, employment support advice and improved safety in the borough.

Deadline for applications is 5pm pm Friday 7December 2012. Please note that this funding is only available forprojects starting from 1 April 2013 onwards. Funding for the 2012/13 HackneyVoluntary and Community Sector grants programme has already beenallocated.  For more information, visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/community-partnerships or call 020 8356 4066.