Lewisham Council has allocated £220,000 to support community cohesion projects in Lewisham which undertake activities that contribute to the development of positive relationships between people of different backgrounds.
The funds will be distributed using a participatory budgeting approach which aims to enable local people, through community groups and organisations, to take part in decisions which could improve life and understanding in and across communities. Communities themselves make the decisions at an event where applicants for funding make presentations about their projects to other applicants. Participating groups score or vote on each application which determines which projects will be funded. The event will take place in June.
Getting Involved - Grants avaliable and eligibilty criteria
Funding is available in 2 categories:
Up to £2,000 for projects and activities that will involve or benefit 1 community
£2,000 to £10,000 for projects and activities that will benefit 2 or more communities
Aims of the project:
“To support activities that contribute to the development of positive relationships between people of different backgrounds, with a special focus on:
• Activities that bring together people from different social groups or ethnic backgrounds or communities of interest
• Intergenerational activities”
All funding proposals need to demonstrate how they meet these aims
Eligibility criteria
The programme is open to community groups and organisations based in the Borough of Lewisham or who are active in Lewisham.
To be eligible your group must be a constituted group – either a registered charity or company limited by guarantee or have a constitution or set of rules, have a bank account and have an equal opportunities policy or statement. If you do not meet any of these criteria but have a good idea we still want to hear from you as we may be able to help you meet the criteria or team you up with another group.
How to get involved
Complete the Initial Expression of Interest form and return it as soon as possible. It should arrive no later than Friday 30th April.
Please return forms to Elaine Sammarco at elaine@valewisham.org.uk
Or by post to:
Voluntary Action Lewisham
120 Rushey Green
LONDON
SE6 4HQ
If you have any questions or require any assistance before completing or returning your form please let us know.
Once we have received your form we will contact you to discuss any further support you may need to develop your proposal and keep you informed about the next stage of the process.
Capacity building support available from VAL
• Help with developing project ideas
• Assistance with developing your application and proposal
• Presentation skills workshops to prepare you for the participatory budgeting event
• Assistance for new and recently established groups to get involved
