Last chance for groups to bid for grants

COMMUNITY groups in Aldershot and Farnborough have a few days left to bid for grants of up to £2,000 to fund projects in their area.

Rushmoor Borough Council's Have Your Say grant scheme provides funding for projects that improve the local environment and strengthen communities and are chosen and voted for by those who live in them.

A total of £12,500 is available, which was secured following a successful bid by the borough council to Hampshire County Council.

Churches and schools are also welcome to apply.

Once all the applications have been received, the council will invite residents, young people and members of the Rushmoor Citizens’ Panel to vote for their favourite projects and to help decide how the money will be spent.

Councillor Adam Jackman, cabinet member for concessions and community support in Rushmoor, said: “The Have Your Say grant scheme is quite different from our other grants as we ask our Citizens’ Panel and local youth groups to decide which applications should receive funding.

“Last year, 12 applications were successful and ranged from projects for young people, to requests from sports clubs and initiatives that support older people.”

The closing date for applications is Wednesday July 30. Voting will take place in August and early September and grants will be awarded in late September.

Further information and online application forms are available on www.rushmoor.gov.uk/haveyoursaygrant.