The Stronger Communities Fund 2023-24 closes Friday 18th August at 5.00PM
There isn’t long left for organisations across Knowsley to apply for a share of £280,000 via the Stronger Communities Fund. Applications close at 5pm on Friday 18 August.
The Stronger Communities Fund, which was approved by Knowsley’s Cabinet on 12 July. is an important resource that enables the Council to support Knowsley’s voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector (VCFSE) to contribute towards the priorities outlined in the Knowsley Council Plan.
For the 2023/2024 fund, Knowsley Council will be giving priority to grant applications which will tackle the impact of the ongoing cost of living crisis on residents and those which will help build further capacity for youth provision in the borough.
The principles of the fund will also support the priorities in the Knowsley Council Plan, which has a clear vision of supporting ‘Knowsley’s People and Communities to thrive’ by providing effective support for those in need, inclusive growth and skills, and achieving Net Zero by 2040.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council said: “We are delighted to be able to open up the Stronger Communities Fund once again to help support communities across the borough. Earlier this year, 27 organisations received a share of the fund to deliver a diverse range or projects supporting children and families, mental health, SEND, older people and so much more.
“We see the incredible work so many organisations do across Knowsley to support our residents and through the Stronger Communities Fund, we want to help them to enhance and expand their provision to ensure that our people and communities to thrive.”
Who can apply?
Registered charities, constituted voluntary, community and faith organisations, community interest companies, community benefit societies, charitable incorporated organisations, and community amateur sports clubs who have been operating for at least 12 months and have a good track record of delivery.
The Council is also keen to support newly established organisations which can demonstrate that they have strong governance structures in place.
How much is available?
Grants of up to £2,000 and £10,000 are available. Organisations can apply for:
- One allocation of up to a maximum of £2,000 to support new organisations or new project ideas which require a small allocation of “seed” funding to enable the ideas to be launched and tested and,
- One allocation of up to a maximum of £10,000 for established organisations wishing to sustain activity or expand and extend current activity.
How to apply?
You can apply here on the council’s website. The closing date for applications is 5.00PM on Friday 18 August 2023. Funding would be released from mid December 2023, subject to Cabinet approval on 6 December 2023.
There will also be a series of online workshops available for groups/organisations to talk through the application process, if required. These will take place via MS Teams on:
Friday 28th July 2023: 9.30am – 10.30am
Friday 11th August 2023: 9.30am – 10.30am
To book onto a session, please email stronger.communities@knowsley.gov.uk
Knowsley libraries can also offer 1-2-1 appointments with digital buddies, which can be pre-booked and there are tea and tech sessions every week in each branch. Additionally library staff available are every day to assist with accessing the library computers, printing and joining the library Wi-Fi network.
All the details can be found in the link below.
Digital Help – Yourlibrary Knowsley
Please note that if you are booking a support session to receive support with completing a funding application form you will need to ensure that you have access to all to required documents electronically at the time of the appointment. A member of the Stronger Communities Team will be able to help.