Sunderland Echo

Community groups can share £120k grants pot

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Community groups in County Durham are being offered the chance to bid for tens of thousands of pounds in grants.

The Community Capital Grant fund – set up by believe housing – aims to improve health, job prospects or the environmen­t by giving charities, schools or community groups up to £20,000 for capital projects.

This includes helping build or improve buildings, creating outdoor play areas, or even financing public artworks. Support with revenue costs such as events or activities, purchasing equipment and staff time is also eligible.

A total of £120,000 is available in the first round of grants.

The Seaham-based housing group organisati­on has invested heavily in community projects across the North East since it was launched, less than three years ago.

Damian Pearson, community investment team leader at believe housing, said: “This funding is the result of our discussion­s with groups right across the county.

"Many told us that they were looking for funding, but were struggling to find the right opportunit­ies for medium-sized projects.

“Our smaller grants funds have been hugely successful across the area and we don’t want to move away from that, but we also felt that the time was right to offer the opportunit­y for larger grants.”

Applicatio­ns to the Community

Capital Grant fund can be made now.

The current call is open until Sunday, December 5, and believe housing has a dedicated community investment team, who are available to provide support and guidance on applicatio­ns.

Full details on the grants is available on the believe housing website.

 ?? ?? Damian Pearson, from believe housing.
Damian Pearson, from believe housing.

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