Published: Tuesday, 3rd October 2023
A new grants scheme has launched to help projects in west Norfolk that build communities or improve people’s lives.
The borough’s Small Grants Scheme can support a range of activities by helping to fund revenue or capital costs.
Cllr Chris Morley, cabinet member for finance, said:
“This scheme can give people the help they need to get a project off the ground or support an existing one.
“There are many fantastic examples of how this scheme has supported people and groups in the past. This is all about supporting local people who have ideas about making where they live a better place for everyone.”
Projects must be able to show how they meet one of the following outcomes:
- Improved understanding of different people and cultures in our local community.
- Increased involvement from people who face barriers to participation in community life.
- Greater use of community buildings or outdoor community spaces, particularly in rural areas.
- Healthier and safer lifestyles for the whole community.
- Increased participation in arts and cultural activities which are accessible to the whole community.
Cllr Morley added:
“There is a wide scope to the activities that we can support. If you have a good idea and you can show how your idea will benefit the community in which you live, please come forward – we want to hear from you!”
Previous funding has supported:
- Setting up a new community choir in Dersingham.
- The running costs of the 2022 excavation for the Sedgeford Historical Archaeological Research Project.
- The purchase of hygiene products and materials to raise awareness of the support offered by the Hygiene Bank King’s Lynn, a charity that supports people in hygiene poverty.
- Increasing the number of English for Speakers of Other Languages offered by the Hanseatic Union.
- Buying or refurbishing equipment for many organisations.
- Greater use of community buildings or outdoor community spaces particularly in rural areas.
- Healthier and safer lifestyles for the whole community.
- Increased participation in arts and cultural activities which are accessible to the whole community.
The scheme is backed by the Norfolk Community Foundation, which supports more than 2,000 small charitable groups across Norfolk. Capital funds of up to £10,000 are available and revenue grants of up to £2,500.
Applications close on 30 November 2023 at noon. A panel will meet early next year, 2024, to decide on the applicants to receive a grant.
Apply for a small grant