New grant scheme launched for Basingstoke and Deane organisations and groups

Community and voluntary organisations across Basingstoke and Deane can now apply for grants to build their business and allow them to respond to changing needs in their communities.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Basingstoke Voluntary Action have launched the new £210,000 strengthening communities grant scheme.

The scheme enables organisations, including community and voluntary groups, schools and parish and town councils, to apply for grants of up to £10,000 or up to £15,000 for joint applications, to support them to become more resilient and drive innovation to better meet community needs.

This includes funding to improve their business model, enhance their income generation, develop marketing plans and increase their volunteer base.

The funding cannot be used to fund existing programmes or projects.

Applicants must be operating in Basingstoke and Deane and have a bank account.

Organisations can apply for this funding by visiting www.bvaction.org.uk/scgs.

Cabinet member for partnerships Jenny Vaux said: “We value the contribution of the borough’s community and voluntary sector and we are extremely lucky to have so many individuals and groups who strive to do so much for their communities.

“As community and voluntary groups play a vital role in our borough, we are committed to supporting them to adapt for the future and ensure their work continues to meet their area's needs and helps residents to thrive.”

Basingstoke Voluntary Action’s chief executive Tony Capon added: “We are pleased to support this new grant scheme.

“Its focus on resilience and innovation reflects the needs and priorities of the local voluntary sector well and actively matches both the council and BVA’s aims in championing flourishing communities here in the borough.

“We look forward to supporting the administration of the grant and encouraging a wide range of groups to apply.”