Ryde Neighbourhood Board has doubled its community grants fund to £200,000 after receiving strong interest from organisations seeking to deliver projects across the town.
The decision was made at the Board’s meeting on Friday (24th July), with members agreeing to increase this year’s funding pot from £100,000 to £200,000.
The additional funding means more community groups, charities, businesses and organisations will be able to bid for grants of up to £20,000 to deliver projects benefiting Ryde and its residents.
The grants are being made available through the Government’s Pride in Place Programme, which will see £19.5million invested in Ryde over the next decade.
Projects must support at least one of the programme’s priorities, which include improving public safety, health and wellbeing, increasing learning opportunities, strengthening volunteering, enhancing sport, recreation and culture, improving the town’s natural and built environment, or supporting local businesses and employment.
Rachael Randall, interim Chair of Ryde Neighbourhood Board, said:
“The response to our community grants programme has been extremely encouraging with a significant amount of interest from organisations keen to make a positive difference in Ryde.
“The Board wants to support as many high-quality projects as possible and that’s why we have taken the decision to double the funding this year to £200,000, creating even more opportunities for the people of Ryde to turn great ideas into reality.
Article continues below this advertisement “Pride in Place represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in Ryde. We know there are passionate people across the town with ideas that can make a real difference and we encourage you to apply before the deadline.”
Applications close at midnight on Monday 17th August, with applicants urged to read the guidance notes carefully and ensure all required supporting documents are submitted.
Applications will be assessed against the programme criteria, with successful projects expected to be approved by the Board at its September meeting.
The community grants scheme is one element of the wider Pride in Place investment programme, with further funding expected to become available for larger projects as the initiative develops.
For more information or to request an application form, visit the Ryde Neighbourhood Board website, email [email protected] or call 01983 823841.
