Community Development
Foundation appointed to deliver £130 million 'grassroots
grants' scheme
CABINET OFFICE News
Release (CAB/095/07) issued by The Government News Network on 12
December 2007
The Cabinet Office
today unveiled the name of a new, multi-million pound funding
programme to boost local community organisations with much-needed
access to small grants and long-term financing. It also announced
the appointment of the Community Development Foundation as its
lead national partner in delivering the scheme.
'Grassroots Grants' will launch in the new year with
£130 million available from 2008-2011 to strengthen the community
sector. It will be divided into two parts: an £80 million small
grants fund for community organisations; and a groundbreaking £50
million endowments programme to enable local foundations to
generate additional donations from the private sector on a matched
basis and invest them in endowments, thereby building their
capacity to provide long-term funding for frontline community organisations.
The Community Development Foundation (CDF) will open an
application process in January to identify and appoint local
funders who will deliver Grassroots Grants locally. Applications
will be invited by April with further details of the process and
the programme to be confirmed next month.
Minister for the Third Sector, Phil Hope, said:
'The
allocation of £130 million to this scheme reflects the
Government's recognition of the vital role community
organisations play in strengthening communities.
'Community-based organisations are at the very root of civil
renewal, bringing local people together and empowering them to
meet local needs or transform local environments. Yet we know they
often struggle to gain finance, placing enormous constraints on
their ability to operate. That's why Grassroots Grants is
aimed at improving the funding available to the very smallest of
community organisations.
'I am delighted that the Community Development Foundation
will be our lead national partner in delivering the scheme. Their
experience and understanding of the community sector, as well as
their track record in successfully delivering grants, will be of
enormous benefit in getting Grassroots Grants up and running quickly.'
Alison Seabrooke, Chief Executive of the Community Development
Foundation, said:
'Community Development Foundation is
delighted to be the national lead partner appointed to oversee and
evaluate Grassroots Grants on behalf of the Office of the Third
Sector in the Cabinet Office.
'At a local level grassroots grants will support local
community based activity in small voluntary and community groups
through the small grants programme, whilst also building the
capacity of local funding partners and sustaining small grant
giving through the endowment programme.
'All existing local grant givers who meet the criteria are
welcome to apply to become local funding partners - and we look
forward to receiving their applications after we open the
application process.'
Notes to editors:
1. A Written Ministerial Statement by
Minister for the Third Sector Phil Hope was placed before
Parliament today confirming the lead national partner.
2. The Government's intention to provide £80 million in
small grants to community organisations and £50 million endowments
funds to local foundations over the CSR years of 2008-2011 was
announced in, 'The future role of the third sector in social
and economic regeneration' published by the Cabinet Office
and HM Treasury in July 2007.
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