Bringing Cotswold Communities Together, One Grant at a Time
We've just announced the latest round of successful Community Activity Support Grant applicants. Deadlines for the next round must be made by 13 January 2020
The Cotswolds is home to an incredible range of community projects which bring people together and positively contribute to the quality of community life.
Cotswold District Council’s Community Activity Support Grant scheme offers each ward in the district a pot of £2,500 to help proposed projects in their areas.
Grants are awarded on a case-by-case basis between £100 and £1000 but in exceptional circumstances, or where the project will benefit across multiple wards, larger grants may be considered.
Applications for new grants are open and submissions must be made by 13 January 2020. To apply for a grant, visit: https://www.cotswold.gov.uk/communities-and-leisure/community-funding/.
There have been several successful applications in the latest round of funding including Cotswold Friends, who were granted a £1000 award in grant funding to provide community activities for older people who live alone.
Cotswold Friends Community Activities Programme aims to tackle social isolation amongst older residents and other groups in the community. For over 40 years Cotswold Friends have provided excellent services for the community and this new programme will provide weekly lunch clubs and monthly activity groups, together with an integrated transport service, to keep people connected.
This project will enable older residents to live independently for longer and avoid isolation, loneliness, and the associated health conditions which frequently result from being alone.
Tetbury Men in Sheds volunteer group has been awarded £330 towards their project that is working to encourage individuals facing loneliness, isolation and depression to move away from a solitary existence and come together to participate in practical activities.
Men in Shed’s plan to use the funding to enhance their environmental offering by purchasing materials and safety equipment for the management of beekeeping at their rejuvenated allotment. The volunteer group is also keen to offer younger participants help to complete the Duke of Edinburgh award whilst providing new interests and challenges for older participants.
Community Wellbeing manager, Jacqueline Wright, said: “These grants can be of great benefit to local communities. We hope people from across the whole district will apply for funds to support events, activities or projects that will enhance the quality of life for local people.
"It’s particularly important to support projects that involve young people, positively impact on mental health or schemes that will improve the quality of our environment by taking action to combat waste and climate change."