Kensington launch new fund for volunteer organisations

A new fund is being opened in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea that is designed to provide opportunities for community and volunteer groups. The annual fund is being organised as part of the boroughs Corporate Services Grants programme and will help local groups that aim to improve the lives of residents.

More than £2 million is being made available through the fund in order to support local projects and groups. The council hopes that the funding will show its commitment to improving the borough for residents and to supporting volunteer groups. The fund will be awarding grants to groups in 2014-15, following a review of all applications.

The council have asked that any groups wishing for funding next year submit relevant applications. The proposals that the council will ultimately select to receive funding will focus on specific areas, including providing engagement opportunities for the community, providing advice and information to residents and helping to support small volunteer groups.

All groups or organisations that wish to be considered for a grant must have their applications in to the council no later than September 6th this year. Only community, social enterprise or voluntary organisations within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea are eligible for funding.

Councillor Gerard Hargreaves, cabinet member for Voluntary Organisations and Resident Engagement, said: "I am very pleased that, despite great pressures on the Council's finances, we are able to make £2m available to support the work of local voluntary and community groups.

"The continuing efforts of those that work in the community and voluntary sector bring great benefit to many people of all backgrounds in the borough. I would encourage those that run these services to look carefully at our priorities and I look forward to the Council being able to provide important funding to assist them in the coming year."

A drop-in session will be held on August 21st at Kensington Town Hall, between 11 and four-pm for organisations wishing to receive more information about the grants.

 

Published 6th August, 2013

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