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Last updated: 05 March 2009
5 March 2009
Early statistics for the first six months of the government’s three year £130m Grassroots Grants programme show that it is strengthening communities, by reaching community groups that have never received grant funding before.
5000 grants of between £250 and £5000 have now been awarded to small volunteer-led community groups across the country, totalling £16 million. Of those groups, 38% have never received a grant before.
A toddler group in Kingshurt, Solihull was awarded a grant of £4495, marking the 5000th Grassroots Grant. Helping pay for running costs and volunteer training, the grant will make a massive difference to Barnys Babs, which has never received a grant before.
For many small community groups, it doesn’t take a lot of money to make a big difference. Of those grants awarded, 14% were under £900, and many groups like Barnys Babs receive grants over three years.
Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector said:
“Britain is at its best when it pulls together in tough times. The dedicated people working in small voluntary groups across the country are shining examples of community spirit.
"To make sure that this programme meets the new economic challenges we are facing, we have recently adjusted the programme at two levels. Firstly, the maximum annual income of applicants has now been raised from £20,000 to £30,000, opening the programme to a much larger number of organisations. Secondly, the Endowment Match Fund, which helps ensure a long term future for community based small grants, will now benefit from a pound for a pound match from Government, instead of the previous 50p for a pound”
Grassroots Grants is managed by the Community Development Foundation (CDF). Alison Seabrooke, Chief Executive of CDF said;
“It’s often the smallest community groups run entirely by volunteers, which are closest to their community and make the biggest difference to the lives of local people. We are delighted that Grassroots Grants is reaching these groups. A small amount of money can make a big difference, especially for a group that has never received a grant before”.