A fresh application round is now open to a community grant scheme which has already awarded almost £225,000 to groups across Tendring.
The Tendring Community Fund, from Tendring District Council (TDC), was launched in Spring 2022 to provide capital and revenue support for groups, particularly those working to tackle social isolation, unemployment, or improving health and education outcomes.
A first phase of applications for the 2022 funding round closed in June, and were approved in October totalling £131,888, going to 15 different organisations.
Among those successful with bids in phase one were Great Clacton Junior School who received £9,000 to develop a catering room and pop-up shop to support families with food and clothing; and the Active Wellbeing Society, who are preparing to run a bike recycling scheme this summer, helped by a £15,000 grant.
Now the successful applicants from phase two have been confirmed by the awards panel, with a further 12 groups due to receive more than £92,700.
These include £15,000 for Youth Enquiry Service Tendring to increase its mental health support for young people, and £15,000 for an initiative by Little Oakley Parish Council to develop an empty area of scrubland into a recreation space available for all to use.
There is still around £131,400 available, and applications are now open for the next round of funding. Applications must be made by 5pm on Friday, 31 March, with forms available at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/community/grants-funding/community-funding.
Lynda McWilliams, TDC Cabinet Member for Partnerships, said the funding would make a big impact on local communities.
“The awards panel always has a tough time selecting grant winners as there is so much good work happening in our communities; and it is pleasing to see the success some of our phase one winners have already been having,” Councillor McWilliams said.
“I am delighted that we’ve now completed the 2022 funding round, and I am confident those projects awarded in phase two will be just as impactful; I am excited to see how these initiatives progress.
“We would also strongly encourage groups to apply for funding in the new round of applications; remember, your application is stronger if you have match-funding, and bids can be for both revenue and capital projects.”
For more details about the Tendring Community Fund visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk/community/grants-funding/community-funding.
