East Staffordshire Borough Council will share out over £244,000 to 28 community and voluntary groups operating in the borough this year to help them carry on their vital work in the community. The money is from the Grant Aid scheme, which is available to voluntary and community organisations that provide services and support to the residents of East Staffordshire.
The amount awarded through Grant Aid has increased by £6,120 in comparison with 2012/13, and six more organisations are being funded in 2013/14 than in 2012/13.
A record number of applications were received this year for Grant Aid funding, and each project was evaluated across a range of factors including the described need and benefit of the project to East Staffordshire’s communities and the evidence and data provided to support the application.
Councillor Richard Grosvenor, Leader of the Council, said: “Whilst other authorities have had to cut back on the funding given to local community groups we have actually increased the amount we are able to give out and increased the amount of organisations who receive this funding.
“These dedicated groups of people, most of whom volunteer their time and skills, provide valuable and sometimes essential services to people in East Staffordshire and I am very proud that we are able to help more groups than ever achieve their goals and provide a valuable service to the community.”
Andy O’Brien, Chief Executive, added: “Funding community and voluntary organisations through Grant Aid is an important part of the Councils work with the third and voluntary sector. These organisations provide essential services to a wide variety of residents and we are pleased we can offer increased financial support during these times of economic austerity.”
The successful organisations are; Age UK Burton, Burton Albion Community Trust, Burton MIND, Burton and District YMCA, Burton Caribbean Association, Burton Youth for Christ, CREST, Derbyshire Dales Careline, East Staffordshire CAB, East Staffordshire CVS, East Staffordshire Rights and Equality Council, Harvey Girls, Home Start East Staffordshire, Katharine House Hospice, Princess Street Training, Education and Enterprise Centre, Pulse for Music, Rakemark Respite, Re-Solv, SARAC, SCALE and Vitalise, who will all continue to receive funding.
In addition, seven new organisations will be funded by Grant Aid in 2013/14: Art and Soul Friendship Group, Branston Community Fun Day, the Community Learning Centre, Donna Louise Children’s Hospice Trust, Harmony Group, the Friends of Burton Wurlitzer and the PBC Foundation.
