Dalston residents can now get grant funding

Hackney Council is set to launch its revised Voluntary and Community Sector Grants Programme for 2013/14, which will see local voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations benefit from grant funding to support projects for Hackney residents.

VCS groups who want to find out more about the programme are invited to attend a free launch event on: Thursday 5 July 2012 at the Hackney Picturehouse, 270 Mare Street, London, E8 1HE.

Following a consultation with VCS colleagues, the Council has reviewed and made changes to its grants programme. Key additions include the introduction of specialist grants for key services, two rounds of applications will now be offered for small grants and Community Chest grants of up to £1000 for events and activities will now be available to encourage Hackney's smaller community groups to apply for funds. Improvements have also been made to the application process, which can now be done via an online system. 

Full details of the changes will be announced at the launch event, which will also outline the programme and how to apply for a grant as well as presentations from organisations who have benefited from the funding.

To book a place at the launch please register by e-mailingcommunitypartnerships@hackney.gov.uk, or call (020) 8356 4066. The deadline for registration is 12 noon on 4th July 2012.

The Hackney VCS Grants Programme is open to community groups, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations to deliver projects/activities for the benefit of Hackney residents and communities. 

The grants will be offered to support the delivery of the six objectives contained in the Council's Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) which are:

• Objective 1: Reduce poverty by supporting residents into sustainable employment, and promoting employment opportunities.
• Objective 2: Help residents to become better qualified and raise educational aspirations.
• Objective 3: Promote health and wellbeing for all, and support independent living.
• Objective 4: Make the borough safer, and help people to feel safe in Hackney.
• Objective 5: Promote mixed communities in well-designed neighbourhoods, where people can access high quality, affordable housing.
• Objective 6: Be a sustainable community, where all citizens take pride in and take care of Hackney and its environment, for future generations.

As in previous years there will also be grants to support Holiday Playschemes.

Last year, 75 organisations received a share of £2.5 million to deliver a range of projects such as holiday play schemes for children and young people, health advice, employment support advice and improved safety in the borough. Further details on the type of grants available and the eligibility criteria will be announced at the launch.