Local community groups 'use it or lose it'

A funding injection for cash-strapped groups could make all the difference to Brent's smaller community groups looking to meet capital and ongoing costs.  
 

The cash injection is all thanks to a new government scheme - Grassroots Grants - which is being run in Brent by North West London Community Foundation (NWLCF).
 
Grants of between £250 - £5,000 are available and, thanks to a rollover of unallocated grants, there's a grand total of £109,698. Brent has a £100k plus pot of Grassroots Grants but it must be applied for by Tuesday 31 March.
 
It's quick and easy to apply

Ssimply fill in a form you can download from the NWLCF website, or call 020 8424 1167 to be sent a copy of the application form. Successful groups will be notified within a month of the application deadline.
 
If you can't get your funding application in on time for this round, deadlines for further applications throughout the year are; 30 April, 31 July and 30 October 2009.

More about the scheme
 
The scheme is part of a £130 million national drive by the government to support thousands of groups and projects, working to improve their local communities.
 
Local groups including charities, voluntary and community groups and neighbourhood initiatives, who have been in existence for at least a year, with an annual turnover of less than £30,000 can apply.
 
So whether you want help to put on a community event or social activity, run education classes, help with the costs of sports, IT equipment or venue hire, or a whole host of other capital and ongoing costs, then apply today.
 
The Grassroots Grants programme is unable to fund religious, statutory or political activities (but religious groups running community activities such as parent and toddler, or youth activities, can apply).
 
Patrick Vernon, Chief Executive of North West London Community Foundation commented "This is great news for local groups in Brent, who are often working on a shoestring. We are committed to making it as easy as possible for groups to apply and making decisions quickly so groups can put the money to good use straight away".
 
About Grassroots Grants
 
More than £267,345.60 in small grants is available in Brent over the next three years.  
 
For an application form and more information call 020 8424 1167, email kath.s@nwlondoncf.org.uk or visit the NWLCF website