'Improve the lives of local residents' - Fylde community groups urged to apply for £2,000 grants
How you can land £2,000 grant for enhancing local lives.
Community groups across Fylde are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to £2,000 to help deliver projects that improve the lives of local residents.
Fylde Council's Community Projects Fund is now open for applications, offering financial support to voluntary, community, faith and self-help groups based in the borough or those working exclusively with people who live in Fylde.
The funding is designed to help organisations improve local services and facilities while supporting projects that benefit communities across the borough.
Two funding options available
There are two levels of funding available through the scheme.
The main Community Projects Fund offers grants of between £300 and £2,000, with an indicative funding pot of £16,500. Applicants are expected to provide match funding, although contributions in kind will also be considered.
A second, smaller fund provides grants of between £1 and £300, with an indicative allocation of £5,500, for smaller-scale community initiatives.
Applications are assessed by a panel comprising Councillor Chris Dixon, Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, Amanda Spavin of Lancashire County Council, Inspector Kate Buckingham of Lancashire Constabulary, the Mayor of Fylde, Tracy Manning from Fylde Council and Tamasin Lamb of Active Lancashire.
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Who can apply?
To be eligible, applicants must be based within Fylde Borough or work exclusively with residents of the borough. Groups must also demonstrate a clear need for their project and be locally managed voluntary, community or self-help organisations.
Projects must support one or more of the objectives set out in Fylde Council's Corporate Plan, including creating a clean and green environment, making Fylde a great place to visit, supporting a vibrant and healthy economy or contributing to a safe and caring community.
What can be funded?
The council says funding could support projects that help young people reach their potential, improve skills within the community, bring together different generations, celebrate Fylde's cultural heritage, expand learning opportunities or enhance the natural environment through initiatives such as park improvements.
The list is not exhaustive, and applications for innovative new projects or developments to existing initiatives are also welcomed.
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Funding restrictions
The scheme will not fund projects based outside Fylde, activities that have already taken place, projects lasting longer than six months from receipt of the grant, individuals, political or religious activities, town or parish councils, statutory organisations or projects resulting in personal gain.
Funding is also unavailable for debts, travel, most social events, vehicle maintenance, ongoing revenue costs such as salaries and venue hire, or animal welfare projects.
Community groups may submit one application per year, with the funding panel's decision being final.