Pennines groups urged to apply for community grants

Voluntary and community groups in the Pennines have until 9 January to apply for financial support from Rochdale Council. 

Officers at the Pennines Township office, based at Harehill Park, are especially interested in applications from the Smallbridge and Firgrove areas, although are encouraging groups from across Littleborough, Milnrow and Newhey to get in touch.

Pennines Township has a fund that can be used to benefit the people of Pennines. More than £28,000 in grants has been handed out to a total of 24 groups so far, and with the next round of awards coming up in February, officers are urging groups to get in touch now.

The council is particularly keen to encourage new organisations to come forward.

Funds can be used for a variety of things including start up costs. Help and advice is also available to those groups wanting to develop. Any proposal can be considered as long as groups show how they can benefit the community.

Special consideration will be given to groups without their own funds, with limited alternative means and those in areas not benefiting from other funding.

The Pennines Township has a modest budget of £63,000 from the 08/09 budget for community grants and is keen to support more projects across the area.

Applications are welcome from community groups, clubs and voluntary organisations who seek to improve the quality of life for those who live in, work in or visit the Pennines. Any local community organisation can apply.

Township Manager Sue Thornton said that previous recipients of these grants have used the funding to make a real difference to their organisations and the lives of the people they support: “Community grants are a vital source of income for many groups throughout the Pennines and many projects would not take place without this support. I urge any group looking for more support to get in touch. The grants can and do make a real difference."

To find out more, or to request an application form, please contact Helena Kelly at the Pennines Township on 01706 757600 or email pennines@rochdale.gov.uk

Applications must be received by 9 January 2009.