Community and Voluntary Groups Invited to Apply for Share of £150K Funding

READING BOROUGH COUNCIL has launched two pots of grant funding, totalling £150,000, for community and voluntary groups this month.

The pot includes a ‘Small Grants Fund’ for 2021/22 of £100K, available for voluntary and community groups to apply for funding for community-led activities that tackle poverty and support mental well-being.

The Small Grants fund is aimed at activities that increase people’s skills, confidence, and independence; help build relationships and get self-help groups established.

This could be through:

• Play, sport/ physical activities, music, dance, drama activities
• Social activities
• Food growing, cooking
• Learning or training activities
• Mentoring/coaching
• Activities that bring different age groups or cultures together

Individual organisations can apply for up to a £5K grant and two or more organisations applying in partnership can apply for up to £10K.

The Council has also allocated £50,000 of its Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) of Government funding for ‘Start-up/Re-start’ grants to help community group meetings or activities get going again after lockdown.

The ‘Start-up/Re-start’ funding can also be used to help people regain community connections where they have undergone lengthy periods of self-isolation, or who may be required to self-isolate in future and may be at risk of loneliness and social isolation. This includes people who may have been identified as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable.

The deadline to apply for these grants is Sunday 25 July 2021.

 Cllr Jason Brock, Reading Borough Council Leader, said “We are committed to supporting the needs of the most vulnerable - ensuring young people, older people, those with long term health conditions or disabilities, and those most affected by Covid-19, get the help they need to live successful, independent lives in vibrant, thriving communities. It is vital that as a Council we open doors for the many small community groups across Reading who want to deliver projects which benefit local communities in the town.

“We do not underestimate the huge impact that small voluntary organisations can make in communities. Community and voluntary groups know their communities best and this funding is an opportunity for them to fund activities that are right for their community at this time.

“Many community groups operating pre-Covid have largely or wholly had to suspended their face-to-face activities. Other groups have sprung up to help people meet the challenges of the pandemic but have only ever operated virtually. The ‘Start-up/Re-start’ grants are to help organisations to provide assurance to people that they can meet with others in an organised and structured environment that adhere to ongoing social distancing requirements and reduce the risk transmitting the virus.

“Over the last year and a half, we have seen outstanding displays of community spirit during these challenging times. I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to all the community organisations and volunteers who have helped keep Reading going in the toughest of times. Your efforts – alongside those of our keyworkers, frontline staff and carers – show exceptional selflessness, dedication and determination. I thank you all.

“I encourage local groups to visit the Council's website to find out more and find details on how to apply before 25 July.”

For more information and to apply for these grants visit: 

• www.reading.gov.uk/SmallGrantsFund
• www.reading.gov.uk/RestartFund

For any grant queries please contact Clare Muir, Policy and Voluntary Sector Manager email: clare.muir@reading.gov.uk or call 0118 9372119.