Update on Funding opportunities

via the Community Foundation in Surrey

Community Foundation in Surrey is an independent charity, established to raise the level of giving to improve the lives of people across Surrey. The Foundation awards grants to local community and voluntary groups who make a genuine difference to the quality of life in their community. Grants are allocated from a growing number of different funds established by individuals, families, trusts, companies and government to help local people in need.

Over £500,000 has been awarded to over 200 groups in the programme’s first 18 months. Groups in Runnymede that have already benefited include:

• Addlestone Toy Library                             £5,000 for venue hire and new equipment
• Manorcroft United Junior FC                       £5,000 for equipment to develop new playing fields
• Fordwater White Cane Club                       £5,000 for the running costs of the group
• Addlestone and Chertsey Youth Group         £3,400 for an activity residential weekend
• Egham Hythe Darby and Joan                     £3,736 for activities and outings

Grassroots Grants of between £250 and £5,000 are available to voluntary and community groups which have an average annual income of below £30,000 and whose volunteers have been active for one year prior to applying.

A further £500,000 is still available from the programme and they are seeking more groups to fund over the next 18 months.

Grant awards have become more focussed in an effort to target key community needs. Grant-making will therefore prioritise projects which will have a beneficial impact on the lives of people who are disadvantaged or excluded (for example through low income, social isolation, age, disability or mental health), projects which are in disadvantaged ‘high need’ geographic areas, and/or which will be effective in addressing a clearly identified need within the community.

Please note: An organisation that is not eligible for the Grassroots Grants programme may be eligible for one of our other funding programmes. Please contact the Community Foundation for Surrey for further information.

To find out more about funding available from the Community Foundation for Surrey and how to apply for a Grassroots Grant please call 01483 409230 or email info@communityfoundationsurrey.org.uk