Community and voluntary groups in Sandwell will be able to apply for grants under a two-year £311,000 funding scheme.
Sandwell Council’s cabinet is being asked to approve funding for Sandwell Council of Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) to run the Vision 2030 Community Grants Programme.
The council is handing over the running of its small grants to SCVO, so the community and voluntary sector can lead on awarding funds.
SCVO has a strong track record in running community grants programmes.
Voluntary and community groups will be able to apply for small grants of up to £5,000 to support projects that benefit the community.
The grants will be awarded to groups that deliver projects, activities and events that support Sandwell’s Vision 2030 and are linked to:
- Building social connections
- Youth activities
- Healthy lifestyles
Deputy council leader Councillor Maria Crompton said: “We have such a thriving community and voluntary sector in Sandwell, with groups doing good things for our residents.
“For groups that have plans to do something new or that need a small amount of funding to get started, this will be a great opportunity.
“Previously, the council administered our small community grants and we now want to empower the community and voluntary sector to lead on these. So, we’re handing over the running of small grants to SCVO along with the funding we’d set aside for community grants for the next two years.
“SCVO is well placed to run a community grants programme with a simpler process that will be easier for community and voluntary groups to access.
“SCVO can also support groups to make the most of their grant funding and develop their plans for future.”
The council is proposing £155,500 of grant money per year in 2020/21 and 2021/22. A report will be considered at the council’s cabinet meeting on 26 February.
