Community Grants reopen for applications

Vital support for local organisations is available as Community Grants from Blaby District Council re-open following the coronavirus pandemic.

The first round of grants will prioritise help for organisations who need support directly as a result of the recent pandemic. To ensure as many groups as possible receive funding, more money will be available in the first round, with the maximum Small Capital and Revenue Grants amounts increasing to £1,000.

There will also be a more flexible approach to project costs to help organisations that have lost income during this difficult period. The deadline for grants is midday on Friday 14 August.

The reopening of the Community Grants scheme coincides with the launch of the Voluntary and Community Sector Hub. This new section of the Blaby District Council website is dedicated to supporting local charities, community groups, sports clubs and venues across the local area.

Containing a range of information on funding, government guidance, volunteering and supporting vulnerable people, the Voluntary and Community Sector Hub information page is the ideal place for any local organisations in need of help and advice.

Councillor Sharon Coe, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Regulatory Services, said: “We’ve always known that our voluntary sector, and the hundreds of volunteers who put themselves forward, play an incredibly important role in the wellbeing and lives of local residents. We have seen this through the new and established organisations that have sprung into action over the last few months.

“The voluntary and community sector still faces huge challenges over the coming months as they try to make up for lost income or fundraising opportunities.

“We hope that by providing timely information, advice and financial support we can help our much-loved voluntary sector organisations get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

For full details about the Community Grants, including eligibility criteria, visit the webpage.