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New £1m grant scheme to help groups build better communities

Local groups are being invited to bid for cash to build better communities from a new £1m Derbyshire County Council fund.

The council will offer one-off capital grants of £10,000 to £250,000 for building projects or permanent equipment such as play or sports facilities which residents will be able use for at least 10 years.

A launch event on 12 June will give people the chance to find out more about the Community Building Grant, and two other grants on offer for local groups − Community Action Grant and Sports Action Grant.

Derbyshire County Council Deputy Leader Simon Spencer and Councillor Carol Hart, Cabinet member for Public Health, are hosting the event − Big Society in Action - which will feature examples of activities and actions by small groups.

The launch is also a chance for voluntary and community groups to celebrate Small Charities Week 2012 that runs from June 11 to June 15.

Councillor Hart said: "We'd like to invite groups and charities working in Derbyshire to our Big Society in Action event so that they can find out what is on offer to support their work.

"The Community Building Grant will provide a funding boost to help local groups with big ideas."

Community building grants will contribute towards the total building costs of projects and are designed to help groups improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of their communities.

The event will highlight other funding support available such as the Green Watch Action Grants and also sees the launch of the 2012 Excellence in the Community Awards.

The Excellence awards recognise outstanding work and extraordinary achievement by individuals, groups and communities.

The Big Society in Action event takes place at County Hall, Matlock on Tuesday 12 June from 6.30pm until 8.30pm. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. To book a place email ruth.chadbourne@derbyshire.gov.uk. Closing date for responses is 31 May.

Source:Derbyshire County Council

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