Vital funding open to community projects from 1 April

Community groups looking to run projects and schemes to help vulnerable local people can apply for their share of £1 million worth of East Hampshire District Council grants.

The council set aside the money in 2019, to be distributed over three years.

Local organisations can apply for the latest round of grants from the Supporting Communities Fund from 1 April 2021.

Applications must demonstrate how they will help the council support the wellbeing of residents, improve lives and enhance access to support services for those who are vulnerable.

Applications must support at least one of three community benefits: 1) supporting positive mental health in residents, in particular young people 2) reducing social isolation in residents, in particular older people 3) supporting the recovery of residents from the coronavirus pandemic

Cllr Julie Butler, EHDC Deputy Leader, said: “Many people will need our support as we begin our recovery from coronavirus.

“The pandemic has had a huge impact on health, livelihoods and wellbeing and I am delighted that the council has been able to make this money available to support vulnerable residents.

“Making £1 million available for community groups was a fantastic initiative three years ago. The fact we have been able to repeat that with a further £1 million for the next three years is fantastic news.”

The next round opens in April 2021 if other groups wish to apply then, details on our website: https://www.easthants.gov.uk/supporting-communities-fund

This year EHDC confirmed they are making a further £1 million available to support local groups for another three years throughout 2022 - 2025