Council announces grants boost

4.59.16pm GMT Sat 28th Jun 2008

• A REVAMPED grant scheme that funds quality of life projects benefiting the borough is being launched by Richmond Council this week, with bigger payouts on the way.

The Small Grants Fund will replace the Local Initiatives Fund, which provided £65,000 of funding to local projects in 2007. Grants will be newly available to organisations that benefit the wider community, such as those working with older people and people with disabilities, in addition to the environmental and young people's projects funded by the Initiatives Fund. The maximum grant has increased to £5,000 and matched funding is no longer required.

Sir David Williams, Cabinet Member for Communities on Richmond Council, who will chair the grants panel, said: "The Small Grants Fund will build on the success of the Initiatives Fund. It is available to more projects, the maximum grant has increased and organisations no longer need to raise part of the money. The Council is committed to helping projects that benefit the local community and I encourage any organisations interested in funding to apply."