Only a few days left to apply for poverty alleviation support
Written by John Williamson on 17/08/2022
There are only a few days left for South Lakeland groups to apply for a cash boost to their poverty alleviation projects.
South Lakeland District Council’s Fairer South Lakeland Community Fund has £25,000 to support projects aimed at helping alleviate poverty.
The closing date for applications is Friday this week (August 19).
Councillor Suzie Pye, SLDC’s portfolio holder for Health, Wellbeing and Poverty Alleviation, said: “Reducing income and health inequalities is one of South Lakeland District Council’s four key priorities and this fund could make a huge difference to the vast array of local groups and organisations who are best placed to match local need with initiatives to help the most vulnerable people.
“Time to the deadline is running out but there a few days left for any group or organisation with an established project or an idea for one which this fund could kick-start to apply.”
Applications can be for both established projects and new initiatives, and applicants can work with other funders, community organisations and agencies to maximise the impacts.
Projects could include:
· Community schemes/projects (e.g. community energy, repair/reuse, community food initiatives, community car share schemes, warm hubs and networking schemes)
· Projects to support local people in moving toward financial stability and security;
· Schemes which target the alleviation of child poverty and promote inclusion in mainstream activities;
· Projects supporting vulnerable people back into work;
· Sustainable, cost-effective transport initiatives; for example community lift-share, cycling and walking projects;
· Initiatives promoting sound financial management.
The overarching criteria is that the long-term aim of the project must be to tackle poverty.
The maximum award to an individual project is £8,000, with scope for additional funding in exceptional cases, and the council will consider applications from town and parish councils, local charities, community interest companies, voluntary groups and other not-for-profit organisations in South Lakeland.
Applications for the Fairer South Lakeland Community Fund can be made online at www.southlakeland.gov.uk/FairerSouthLakesFund, where more information on what the funding can be used for and how to apply can also be found.
If you have any questions about the fund or wish to discuss an idea for a project, please contact communitygrants@southlakeland.gov.uk or Cllr Pye at Suzie.Pye@southlakeland.gov.uk.
