Proposals for ambitious new 4-year grant scheme to support communities across the city will be discussed by councillors at next week’s Cabinet meeting.
The scheme will be aimed at supporting vulnerable residents and communities experiencing greatest poverty and disadvantage as well as key voluntary sector partners helping residents hit hard by the cost of living.
Despite challenging financial times for local authorities, the council has earmarked £1.8m per year for the next 4 years targeted at supporting small and medium community groups.
The fund is built on the principles of tackling inequality and taking an equity-based approach, investing in marginalised communities of place and identity to ensure they thrive and flourish.
Taking a longer-term strategic approach to grant giving allows us to support community and voluntary groups to have greater impact in their communities and bring in additional funding.
The partnership with the community and voluntary sector is essential for us to turn around the challenges facing our residents and the city.
Chief Executive of Community Works, Jess Sumner, said: “We are pleased that the council has maintained its strategic grant programme for the community and voluntary sector and committed funding for four years.
“The sector plays a key role in the social, physical, mental and economic wellbeing of the city’s communities; often being the first and for some residents, the only point of contact and support.
“Demand for services far outstrips supply and while this funding news is greatly welcomed, the challenge of meeting need continues, and organisations remain financially at risk.”