250K Funding For Grassroots Projects in Manchester

The Community Foundation for Greater Manchester is now accepting applications for the Grassroots Grants fund. This is a new initiative set up by the Government’s Office of the Third Sector and aims to support small voluntary and community groups that are dependent on volunteers. Nationally, the scheme is being administered by the Community Development Foundation, and in Greater Manchester the Community Foundation has been selected to distribute grants. Groups can apply for up to £5,000 – either as a one-off payment or a grant spread over a maximum of the three-year period. Money is allocated by financial year, so for this year the Foundation is encouraging groups to apply as soon as possible – as applying later in the year could limit the amount of money available.

To be eligible for a grant, the group must:
• have been formed before 31st December 2006;
• have an average income of less than £20,000 over the last three years;
• be volunteer led.

The Foundation is particularly keen to receive applications for capital items for new equipment or renovating buildings. MDDA is available to assist any group who wish to apply for technology equipment.

For more details visit www.communityfoundation.co.uk