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The London Development Agency (LDA) is today launching the second round of funding for its 2007-10 Community Grants Programme. Small voluntary and community organisations are today invited to apply to the LDA where eligible organisations will be able to benefit from the £5.5 million available through this scheme.

Typical organisations that apply for funding are social enterprises, charities, and community groups that support refugees, women, disabled people and families. They are expected to reach out into London’s communities as the Programme’s aim is to provide a stepping stone for disadvantaged people, helping them progress into mainstream training and employment. The grants are available to voluntary and community groups with no more than two full-time staff.

The LDA is responsible for implementing the Community Grants Programme in the capital. The funds available are 50% LDA monies and 50% from the European Social Fund. The scheme is managed on behalf of the LDA by Greater London Enterprise.
106 organisations were selected for grants in the first round of funding and it is expected that around 150 groups will be successful in the second round.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said:

“Some of the capital's smallest voluntary and community groups are playing a crucial role at ground level to help London beat the recession. However, these smaller organisations often find it hard to compete for funding alongside the larger, high profile projects. So this community funding, tailored specifically to small groups, is ideal and I urge them to apply without delay."

Sir Peter Rogers, Chief Executive at the London Development Agency, said:

“This is a key programme in the LDA’s commitment to support the capital’s unemployed and economically inactive into work and training. The latest round of the Community Grants Programme will provide small voluntary and community groups with the opportunity to access significant funding streams. We look forward to hearing from organisations with a proven track record who can benefit from this opportunity.”

Workshops to guide interested groups through the Community Grants application process will be held on:
16 July 2009 – 10.30am-2pm
17 July 2009 – 10.30am-2pm
6 August 2009 – 10.20am-2pm

A prospectus, eligibility criteria and guidance on the application process can be downloaded from http://www.gle.co.uk/services/communitygrants.htm 


For further information contact the News Team: Louise Laing 020 7593 8104. Out of hours 07977439371. Public enquiries 020 7593 8000.


Notes to Editors

* The London Development Agency aims to improve the quality of life for all Londoners - working to create jobs, develop skills and promote economic growth.
* The European Social Fund (ESF) was set up to improve employment opportunities in the European Union and raise standards of living. It aims to help people fulfill their potential by giving them better skills and better job prospects. There are four co-financing bodies who are delivering ESF funds focused on London's skills and employment agenda: Department for Work and Pensions, Learning and Skills Council, London Councils and the London Development Agency.
* The Mayor of London has strategic responsibility for ESF in London under the new 2007-13 Programme and the LDA's European Programmes Management Unit administer the programme on his behalf. This function is separate from the LDA's role as a Co-financing Organisation.
* Grants can be given to any small non-governmental organisation / local community group in London. Grants cannot be given to individuals.
Organisations must:
o have a written constitution / set of rules which was formally adopted by 31 October 2007
o have no more than 2 full time paid staff
o have an income of £60,000 or less
o have a bank account with a minimum of two signatories
o not have received ESF funding before (except as a Fast Forward Grant)
o have registered with the Charities Commission if a charity.



For further information please contact: Louise Laing, Press Officer on 020 7593 8104 or out of hours on 07977 439371.