Open4Community

 A new funding search engine called Open4Community has just been launched in Gloucestershire which gives Voluntary and Community Groups access to a comprehensive database of government, lottery and charitable trust funding opportunities.  This facility is free for all groups to use and can be viewed by logging onto www.gloshub.org.uk/funding

 If you would like any assistance with funding or advice on any aspect of your organisation please contact the team at Linking Communities. 

The Gloucestershire Community Foundation – Reminder

 The Gloucestershire Community Foundation have a range of funding streams which are available to voluntary and community organisations. They include: 

•  The Local Network Fund, which is a government initiative that supports the 0-19 age group in the County, this funding stream has been extended for a further three years, organisations can apply for grants up to £7,000

• Sport Relief Programme is available for groups aiming to strengthen communities and provide opportunities for people who are disadvantaged or excluded through low income, rural and social isolation, age, disability, race, sexuality or gender.  Grants for projects or activities can be made for up to £5000;

• European Social Fund Programme:  all projects must contribute to the overall aim of supporting a more inclusive society by helping people to progress towards getting a job and by strengthening local communities.  Examples of activities can include, opportunity for volunteering, support groups for the unemployed and social activities that help to build confidence and self-esteem. 

 For more information about the Gloucestershire Community Foundation and the funding opportunities mentioned above please contact Sue Wright on (01452) 656386 or log onto their website www.gloucestershirecommunityfoundation.co.uk

Awards for All

Awards for All is a grants programme set up to help small groups and local communities.  It is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Arts Council of England, Sport England, and the Big Lottery Fund.  Awards for All gives grants of between £500 and £5,000 in a simple straightforward way.  For more information, go to the Awards for All website:  www.awardsforall.org.uk or call the helpline on 0845 600 2040. 

The Big Lottery Fund will be announcing further new programmes throughout 2005, and we will endeavour to publicise the information as and when we receive it.  In the meantime for further information on any of the programmes mentioned above please call the Big advice line on 0845 4 10 203 30 or log onto www.biglotteryfund.org.uk 

 Big Lottery Fund – Update

The Big Lottery Fund have recently announced new funding programmes, including the Young People’s Fund.

The Young People’s Fund aims to put young people at the centre of creating, planning and running projects to help young people achieve the following outcomes: 

• Being healthy;

• Staying safe;

• Enjoying and achieving;

• Making a positive contribution; and,

• Economic well-being.  

Projects are for young people aged 11-18, although this programme will also fund projects aimed at young people aged up to 25 who have specific difficulties in moving into adulthood.  Grants are between £5,000 and £150,000 over a three-year period.  Voluntary and community organisations can apply at any time, as this is a rolling programme. 

For further information or to download outline proposal forms and guidance material please log onto Big Lottery Fund website on www.biglotteryfund.org.uk  or call the Big advice line on 0845 4 10 20 30.