Voluntary and community groups in Nottinghamshire are being invited to apply for grants of up to £50,000 from a new funding stream set up by the County Council to support grassroots projects throughout the area.

The Local Improvement Scheme 2018-21 was launched after councillors agreed to create a new, simpler way for local groups to access financial support for local schemes that contribute towards making Nottinghamshire a great place to live, work and visit.

Groups can apply for the funding now at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/lis

The closing date for this round of funding is 8 January, 2018.

Applicants will need to demonstrate that their projects can deliver tangible, long term benefits for local communities by:
•Focusing on helping people to help themselves through encouraging volunteering and involvement in local organisations and charities
•Working in partnership to protect communities from crime and anti-social behaviour so people can be more confident about their safety
•Promoting healthier lifestyle choices
•Protecting and developing the local environment and our county’s heritage

Three-year revenue funding of between £1,000 and £30,000 per year is available for running costs, alongside one-off capital scheme funding of between £1,000 and £50,000 per project.

Further financial support for talented athletes and to commemorate significant events in Nottinghamshire will be made available at a later date.

Councillor Kay Cutts, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The County Council has a strong and proud track record of supporting community and voluntary groups in delivering valuable work – helping people to help themselves and enhance people’s pride of place in Nottinghamshire as a great place to live, work, visit and relax.

“The new Local Improvement Scheme brings together several previous funding schemes into one, allowing us to allocate funding in a more co-ordinated way, simplifying the process and reducing administration to ensure the maximum resource is available to make a real difference in our communities.

“I am proud that we have been able to retain and prioritise our grant funding for local groups when many other local authorities have reduced or ended similar funding to make financial savings.”

Full Local Improvement Scheme eligibity criteria and details of how to apply are available on the website.

Three information events have also been arranged for organisations interested in applying for funding. The events are:

4 December (2-3.30pm) John Fretwell Complex, Sookholme Rd, Mansfield
5 December (2-3.30pm) Crossing Church & Centre, Newcastle St, Worksop
7 December (2-3.30pm) Assembley Rooms, County Hall, West Bridgford

Anyone wishing to attend the information events must pre-book online at www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom–nottingham/nottinghamshire-county-council (one place per organisation)