Community Chest
A popular grant fund that has enabled hundreds of local groups to organise events, activities and local improvements is now back in action after New Deal's Board voted to provide an additional £177,500 for grants between now and March 2010.
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During the past year, groups have secured grants to pay for everything from events and trips out for pensioners to better community facilities or arts and crafts activities. |
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The community garden at Mather Waverley |
Mather Waverley Tenants’ Association secured £3000 for a stunning community garden, while residents in Elswick Triangle, Essex Close and Rye Hill were among many who used grants for summer activities.
Other grants have helped groups like Bentinck Tenants and Residents’ Association, the Jubilee Senior Citizens’ Club and Roshni Asian Women’s Association to make things happen for our area.
The previous year (2004-5) saw the Panel award 48 grants, once again for a whole lot of activities ranging from Bangladeshi independence celebrations to Christmas celebrations at Mather Waverley.
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Arts and crafts in Rye Hill, a pantomime trip from Essex Close and days out for elderly people through the Oasis Café were also among the activities made possible by the fund. | |
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Elswick Triangle residents' association |
And back in 2003-4, successful groups included Rye Hill Residents’ Association, who secured over £2000 to set up a junior football team – which went on to take the local league by storm, ending as champions by 14 clear points!
Other grants helped groups like the Chatterbox OAP Club, Terraces in Bloom and Newcastle Bangladesh Association to make things happen in our area.
The Community Chest really does make all kinds of things possible for local groups. It's a great way for groups to apply for grants between £250 and £5000.
Applications are usually considered within a month of being submitted, and decisions on grants are made by a panel of local residents. So if your community group has an idea for a project, contact the Community Regeneration Team on 0191 277 8084 – and your group could be next!
All the forms you need to apply are here:
Examples of Projects here
Application Form here
Community Chest Criteria here
Guidance Notes here