Quality of life boost for local community groups
The council is supporting local community groups and grassroots organisations that want to make Wandsworth a better place to live.
Local groups can apply for funding of up to £5,000 from the council’s Big Society Fund to support projects that are designed to improve the quality of life for people living in the area.
The fund has previously promoted sport and healthy living, local arts projects, supported positive activities for young people and assisted charities and voluntary groups that work with disabled people, older residents and those seeking jobs or training.
Over the past two years more than £250,000 has been awarded to local good causes. Funding has recently been approved for an Olympics legacy sporting project at All Saints primary school, new equipment for Balham Boxing Club and new table tennis tables for Christchurch primary in Battersea where top GB player Darius Knight went to school.
Cabinet member for finance Cllr Guy Senior said:
“Our Big Society Fund is supporting local organisations and groups of residents who have come together to improve their neighbourhoods and enhance the lives of others.
“Their hard work and commitment is one of the reasons why Wandsworth has such a vibrant and successful voluntary sector. The council is determined to play its role in supporting these groups that do so much good work across the borough.”
The deadline for the next round of applications is Monday, May 13. All bids will need to address a local need and have local support, demonstrated by the endorsement of a local ward councillor.
For grants over £1,000, the council will seek some form of contribution from other sources which could be in the form of cash donations, or of materials or volunteer time.
Local groups interested in finding out more about the council’s Big Society Fund can visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/wbsf or request details by emailing wbsf@wandsworth.gov.uk or phoning Joanne Finlayson on (020) 8871 7597.
Information about volunteering opportunities in the borough can be found at www.volunteeringwandsworth.org.uk/. To speak to someone about volunteering call 0300 365 9950 on weekdays between 10am and 4pm or email enquiry@volunteeringwandsworth.org.uk
March 27, 2013