Community cash up for grabs

Community groups and organisations are being encouraged to apply for what could be much needed funding.

Exeter City Council has relaunched its Ward Grant programme allowing groups to apply for up to £500 to support their activities.

The programme was suspended earlier in the year, due to the coronavirus outbreak but has now reopened again.

There’s also a chance to apply for the COVID-19 Community Action Fund, which is still running across the city. The Fund, which has been supported by a generous donation of £100,000 from the Exeter Chiefs Community Foundation, allows groups or organisations to apply for funds to support activities linked to the pandemic, up to £1,000.

Cllr Amal Ghusain, Lead Councillor for Communities and Culture, said: “The Action Fund was launched 72 hours after ‘lockdown’ was announced and has been a lifeline to so many groups. We have issued over £116,000 to local groups and organisations to help them through the crisis and will continue to do so.”

The Exeter Ward Grant supports groups and organisations to use their passion, skills, experience and knowledge to work together to make a difference in their community and create change by supporting projects that help people to help themselves and each other, build on the strengths of people and communities, and connect people and organisations within and across communities

Application forms for both grants can be found on the City Council website athttps://exeter.gov.uk/people-and-communities/grants/exeter-grants-programme/

Further support to help with applications can be found by contacting 01392 205800 (lines are open 9.30am to 4.30pm. Mon-Fri), or emailing info@exeterconnect.org.uk