Cabinet approves grant funding to support local community projects
On Wednesday 8 March, Melton Borough Council’s Cabinet agreed the allocations of the Community Grants budget, approving over £36,000 of funding to support local community organisations and projects.
The approved funding will support a variety of community projects in the borough, ranging from sports activities for young children in priority neighbourhoods, continuation of services from charity organisations, supporting the delivery of citizens' advice services within the local area, day hospice support, health screenings, support groups and funding towards the Melton and District Furniture Project.
Cllr Alison Freer, Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement said, “It’s amazing to see so many organisations benefitting from our community grants scheme. Whilst we are unable to fund all of the projects submitted through the Community Grants scheme, we were pleased to see the varied nature of the applications and the clear desire of local organisations to make a difference in our borough and have tried to support as many of those applicants as possible.
“Careful consideration has been given as to where to allocate the funding. Where we haven’t been able to provide financial support, we have offered alternative assistance and signposted other funding sources where available. To help support as many projects as possible, this year, we were also able to utilise some funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to award additional grants to eligible community groups and projects. In total 14 different community projects have been funded altogether this year.
"We look forward to seeing the projects being delivered in the local area and we encourage eligible organisations to continue to engage with the scheme and submit applications each year so we can continue to support a wide range of fantastic projects being undertaken within our community.”
Building on the success of the Platinum Jubilee Grants Scheme in 2022, the council has also launched a Coronation Small Grants Scheme, with just over £8000 available to support communities across the Borough to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.
Eligible community groups, charities and parish councils organising events and projects can apply for funding between £70 and £700 to support their local Coronation celebrations to mark this special occasion. Applications for this scheme are open until Monday 20th March 2023. Full details, including how to apply, are available at www.melton.gov.uk/KingCharlesIII.
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For more information please contact:
Communications@melton.gov.uk
Notes to editors:
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus