Groups invited to apply now for Action Grants
Community groups, clubs and charities are being invited to apply now for the next round of Derbyshire County Council’s Action Grants.
Action Grants totalling more than £210,000 have been awarded to 112 groups across Derbyshire in the first round of our scheme which we launched in May 2018. A full list of those who have benefitted can be found here.
Applications from the second round, which closed in September 2018, are currently being considered and the third round is open now inviting applications up to 31 December 2018.
From the £1.5 million fund there are 2,000 small grants of up to £500, a number of grants worth up to £5,000, and for schemes which can be shown to offer long-term benefits for local people and promote two or more of the Action Grant themes, potential grants of £10,000.
Successful applicants so far were able to show they promoted one or more of the four Action Grant themes or a combination;
Youth activity – Including setting up youth clubs, organising activities for young people, projects to help young people gain new skills or schemes to help them deal with mental health issues.
Community activity – Such as setting up new community groups, organising a local event or starting a community project.
Physical activity and sport – Money for schemes to encourage residents of all ages to take part in physical activities, keep fit and stay healthy – or which encourage people to get active if they’re not already.
Community safety – Grants for projects to reduce crime and the fear of crime including raising awareness about scams and rogue trading, schemes to tackle anti-social behaviour and initiatives to help residents keep themselves safe.
Successful applicants in the first round of Action Grants included:
- Friendship and social clubs
- Brownie, Scout, Guide and Cadet groups
- Sports clubs
- Fitness classes
- Youth activities and support for young people
- Baby and toddler groups
- Specialist support schemes
- New community initiatives
- Music and arts groups
- Gardening and environmental projects
Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “If you’re involved with a community group, club or charity in Derbyshire and would benefit from a cash boost our next round of Action Grant applications is now open and I’d urge you to apply.”
“There are many groups which do amazing work to provide opportunities for residents in their communities and we’re keen to support them. An Action Grant could be just the helping hand they need to do even more to provide lasting benefits for residents across the county.”
“As the list of groups which successfully applied for one of our grants in the first round shows, we’re happy to consider any activity for Action Grant funding which can show a benefit for residents and their local community – anything from family fit sessions and school holiday clubs to schemes which tackle domestic abuse and support mental health.”
“We’ve made the process as simple as possible with a short form to fill in and a quick decision process. Dozens of groups are already benefiting from their Action Grants and we’re encouraging others to get their applications in before the next deadline.”
The deadline for the current round of Action Grant applications is 31 December 2018. Groups which apply should hear if they have been successful within 4 weeks of the deadline. More rounds will follow next year until the scheme ends in May 2020.
Click here to apply or for further information on applications.
