Don’t miss out on funding urges councils
Parish councils and local organisations are being urged to apply for Pride in Place grants before the fund closes at the end of the month (January 2024).
So far, Broadland and South Norfolk Councils have given over £350,000 to various groups across the districts to support projects that bring the community together and create a sense of pride.
Grants have ranged from £1,800 to £31,250 and have been used to enhance various aspects of community life, including improvements to community buildings and open spaces, increasing sports provision and creating events.
Thirty-nine grants have been given out so far, with several more in the pipeline.
South Norfolk Council’s Cabinet Member, Cllr Kim Carsok, said:
“We have had some great projects come forward. Seeing the difference the money has made to Kett’s Community Bookshop in Wymondham has been amazing, enabling them to expand their offering, increase their number of volunteers and create a really special place in the heart of the town for people to come together.”
Broadland District Council’s Cabinet Member, Cllr Natasha Harpley, said:
“It’s been fantastic to see how community buildings such as The Bircham Centre and Hellesdon Community Centre have used the funding. They are welcoming, inclusive spaces that benefit the mental and social wellbeing of our communities, and thanks to this funding and the dedication of the volunteers, will continue to be so well into the future.
As well as enhancing community buildings, funding can be used for projects that improve community engagement and volunteering opportunities, or that provide innovative responses to local problems. For example, in Long Stratton, the funding has been used to employ a community youth worker, to help prevent issues around anti-social behaviour.
It can also be spent on feasibility studies that explore local needs to help develop appropriate community facilities in the future, like in Stoke Holy Cross.The Parish Council used the grant to fund a feasibility study that was crucial in evidencing the need for a new pavilion and enabled them to successfully apply to South Norfolk Council’s Co-investment fund for £465,543 towards the new building.
Councillor Carsok added:
“We urge anyone looking to fund projects that bring people together or foster a sense of pride to contact us.”
The councils’ Pride in Place Grant is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
For more information and how to apply visit: www.southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk/communities/pride-place-community-grant-scheme