Frome Town Council is relaunching its community grant fund. Organisations that run projects that benefit residents in the town will be able to bid for up to £2,000 in the next few months.
The fund will complement the other initiatives such as the People’s Budget: Events and Crowdfund Frome available through the town council and aims to enable projects which meet the broad objectives of the town council. This means that projects must aim to increase health and wellbeing, prosperity or environmental sustainability in the town, demonstrating positive outcomes for local people.
Mayor of Frome, cllr Shelia Gore explained that as local authority and government funding is reduced, there is a much greater need for the town council to support local groups, saying, “These grants form part of a much wider package of support which we offer local groups, including training on budget planning, fundraising, recruiting volunteers and practical skills such as first aid. We have a community projects officer, Kate Hellard, on hand to offer advice and guidance for groups and also contract a fundraising advisor to work with groups and organisations to identify other regional and national grants and trusts bringing in more money to the town to help community groups, charities and community interest companies meet the growing demand for local services.”
People’s Budget: Events also launches again after a successful series of events delivered from the March vote. A panel of local residents will vote on events pitched to them in March by local community groups. The applications process for PB: Events is now open and local not-for-profit groups will be able to pitch for up to £10,000 of £25,000 available for events over the coming year in Frome. If you have a bright idea for an event that would benefit the local community, Frome Town Council would like to hear from you.
Other funds currently available through Frome Town Council include the Mayor’s Grant of up to £300 for small projects and match funding through Crowdfunder. Further information about how you can sign up to be part of the decision making process and links to all funding pots discussed above can be found at www.frometowncouncil. gov.uk/your-community/
