Charity cash injection from Government

The Government has announced that £227,730 of grant money is to be made available to charities in Rochdale as part of a new recession support initiative.

The Targeted Support Fund, from the Office of the Third Sector, is being allocated nationally to the 50 boroughs deemed most at risk of increasing levels of deprivation as a result of the recession, six of which have been identified in Greater Manchester:

Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Tameside and Wigan.

Local grant maker the Community Foundation has been tasked with making grants of between £10k and £40k to registered charities or social enterprises in those boroughs, identifying in particular ones who have experienced an increase in demand to their services to tackle issues relating to the recession including debt management, housing, training and unemployment and mental health.

To be eligible for a grant the applicant must be a registered charity or company limited by guarantee, have a track record of at least 18 months activity, have an annual income of between £30,000 - £250,000, and must either be located in, or have a delivery arm in one of the identified boroughs.

Grant money can be used to assist with core running costs including wages, delivery and overheads costs.

Nick Massey Chief Executive of the Community Foundation comments: “This is essential funding that can help with the everyday running costs of local charities, many of which are struggling to get through these difficult economic times.’’

The funding allocations by borough area as follows: 

• Rochdale £227,730
• Oldham £190,989
• Salford £227,730
• Tameside £229,143
• Wigan £361,433
• Manchester £435,894

Applications can be made from 4th May until 29th June, with awards being made on 1st September. Anyone wanting more information should contact the Community Foundation now on 0161 214 0940.