Additional funding available for final round of support to community-focused groups

From local sports clubs to Parish Councils, Councillors will approve applications to the scheme in a Cabinet meeting in February which will provide much needed funding to help improve the local community.

Local groups interested in applying for the scheme will need to submit an application form outlining how their project would support the Council’s Community Plan Objectives.

To submit an application form, please go to: www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/communityfunding/

Each application is carefully considered by the relevant Council Portfolio Holder and recommendations are presented to Cabinet for approval. In total £50,000 will be split amongst the chosen projects with the grant contributing to part or all of each project.

Councillor Tim Wendels, Portfolio Holder for Homes and Health at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Local good causes play a key role in our communities especially during this time of economic uncertainty. By providing this much needed funding we can cater for more opportunities for our residents to take part and enjoy services being provided by dedicated local groups and clubs.

“Now more than ever these groups are key to supporting those who are struggling but also building relationships and growing community spirit.”

Last year, 32 groups received a combined total of £102,000 in the two rounds of funding. The additional funds for the third round of the Community Grant Scheme came from the Councils Change Management Reserve and comes as an extra uplift to local groups who were unable to apply in the first two rounds. 

Lots of groups from football clubs to environmental groups have already received funding towards projects that made a positive impact in the local community.

Rural Community Action Group (Clipstone) received £5,000 in the first round of funding to invest in their Talk, Learn, Connect sessions. They help in teaching people the importance of our green spaces and rural communities. 

Jenny Kirkwood, Director at Rural Community Action Group (Clipstone), said: "We are delighted to have received this funding. Village Halls, are the main community hub for many villages. We are working with hall management committees to identify and facilitate a regular event for local residents to come together and socialise. The project hopes to encourage more isolated residents to get out of the house, whilst offering local businesses and agencies a regular platform to promote their products and services. A great opportunity for all members of the community to come together to Talk, Learn and Connect."

Shawmind were awarded £3,880 from the scheme last year. Funds contributed towards their ‘pop up’ Breathe Spaces, to support young people with poor mental health.

Laura Millard, Director of Fundraising at Shawmind, said: "As a charity who provide mental health training to schools for free, we rely on the kind generosity of our donors and the community grants we are fortunate enough to secure.  Being awarded these funds by Newark and Sherwood District Council means we can continue to drive forward our mission and impact the lives of more children by supporting their emotional wellbeing and mental health needs."