Community cash available

Date published: 09/02/2007

Do you run a community or voluntary group in Rochdale? Or do you have an idea for a project you would like to set up to serve your local community? If so then help could be at hand as £40,000 is made available for grant applications made before 1 March to the Borough of Rochdale Fund.

The Borough of Rochdale Fund aims to support local community groups, projects or individuals throughout the borough and offers grants between £100 and £5,000.

Gill Green, Fund Manager from the Community Foundation, says: "This cash could make a real difference to a local group that might be facing difficulties due to lack of funding. It’s here and available now and I would encourage as many groups as possible to apply for their share."

Groups that have recently benefited from the Borough of Rochdale Fund are the Spotland and Fallinge Luncheon Club who received £2000 to help with costs of four coach trips for local elderly people as well as to pay for refreshments and to help with volunteer expenses.

Another group that recently benefited from a grant is the Rochdale Women’s Welfare Association who received over £1000 to assist with costs of running an after school club and play scheme.
                      
The Borough of Rochdale Fund looks specifically to assist projects or activities that address any of the following funding priorities:  Safety, including crime and disorder; Sustainable neighbourhoods including the environment; Prosperity, skills and jobs; Lifelong learning including early years; Transport; Health and well-being; Culture, sports and arts; Community Cohesion.

If you are a group or project in Rochdale that have ideas about how to improve your neighbourhood or community then the Community Foundation would like to hear from you. Please call the Community Foundation on 0161 214 0959 or visit www.communityfoundation.co.uk