The Government's groundbreaking Grassroots Grants scheme has been established and is calling on small local voluntary and community groups across the East of England to come forward and get their hands on £13,574,255 of essential funding.

Whether it's helping local clubs get hold of new kit, coaching new volunteers or simply giving the village hall a fresh lick of paint, Grassroots Grants aim to make a real and immediate difference to the work of the East of England's small and local community groups.

In keeping the process as simple and easy as possible for applicants, the money is being distributed directly through six local funders across the East of England - slightly larger local organisations already based in the community and selected because they are familiar with the needs and causes in each area.

Funded by the Office of The Third Sector in the Cabinet Office and run by the Community Development Foundation, the programme is offering a total of £13,574,255 to local funders in the East of England to start making grants of between £250 and £5,000 to voluntary and community groups with annual incomes below £20,000.  This income threshold will obviously count against many swimming clubs, but clubs could discuss this matter with the local funding organisation if they have a worthwhile project that they are seeking finding for.

 

The local funders are:

Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation: 01525 878142  - www.blcf.org.uk

Cambridge Community Foundation: 01223 421588  - www.cambscf.org.uk

Essex Community Foundation: 01245 355947  - www.essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk

Hertfordshire Community Foundation: 01707 251351  - www.hertscf.org.uk

Norfolk Community Foundation: 01603 623958 - www.norfolkfoundation.com

Suffolk Foundation: 01473 734120 - www.suffolkfoundation.org.uk