CHRISTCHURCH School garden and Somerset Rural Youth Project, are the latest projects to be given a cash boost from the Frome Development Community Interest Company (FDCIC)
The FDCIC’s remit is to offer “catalyst” funding to individuals, groups and organisations to enable them to undertake specific projects.
The FDCIC was set up after an anonymous benefactor was so impressed with the town since moving here, that he pledged £250,000 to encourage its economic growth. The money is being given in segments of £50,000 over five years, and is being distributed by the FDCIC.
The FDCIC say, “This time we are pleased to have made grants to Christchurch School garden so that they can continue to provide practical gardening experience and learning. This links in well with the Muriel Jones field, the new allotment site, which is in easy walking distance and is part of an ongoing theme of support to gardening and growing schemes.
“We have also provided funds to the Somerset Rural Youth Project to run an initial “pop-up” project. Young people in Frome will develop and deliver a community action project supported by youth workers, to benefit the community and the young people themselves.
“After their success in the town council-run “People’s Grant”, the Missing Link project is closer to its goal of completing the cycle links in and out of Frome, but further funding is still required. The CIC agreed in principle to support Missing Link but are awaiting the outcome of discussions between them and Natural England before working out the details.
“Finally, the FDCIC recognises the incredibly important role that both the Carnival and Frome Festival play in Frome life. We have always been keen to support work which helps foster community cohesion and makes Frome a more entertaining place to live. Over the next few weeks we’ll be in discussion with both these organisations to see how we might help them solidify their long-term futures. The FDCIC is always happy to hold discussions with groups in this way to see how best our funding can lead to long term change.”
The next round of grant making decisions will be on April 1st – all the details of how to apply can be found online at www.fromedevelopmentcic.org.uk