Rush of applications for the Community Events Grants
Telford & Wrekin Council has received over 50 applications for the Community Events Grants that support communities to come together and organise their own events.
The total value of the applications is over £70,000, exceeding the £50,000 that the Council has put aside for these community-led events.
The Community Events Grant builds on last year’s Telford 50 celebration grant received by over 40 different groups, who organised a broad range of community events to mark the town’s 50th anniversary.
The scheme was opened in January, for individuals and a wide range of groups. They could bid for up to £2,000 towards their event.
To be eligible for funding, the events should look to involve the wider community in organising the event as well as increase or develop volunteering opportunities in the borough.
Additionally, all events bidding for funding have to fall under at least one of the following themes: People and places, Culture and communities, Green spaces.
Applicants were also asked how much they can contribute towards their events including cash funding and in-kind support.
Their contribution is valued at over £79,000, which is in addition to the grant funding available.
This again highlights the incredible community spirit across the borough and the commitment for new activities and events that bring communities together.
The bids also shows how important volunteering will be to the events’ success, as the bidders would need support from over 950 volunteers.
Cllr Rae Evans, Cabinet Lead for People Services, Tourism and Partnerships, said: “I have always felt that we are so lucky in Telford to have so many amazing community groups, so it’s no surprise that the response to our Community Events Grant has been again amazing, with lots of communities eager to put on their own events once again.
“Thank you to everyone for their involvement and for the ideas submitted, as all these will help bring communities together, as a legacy of Telford 50.”
All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by Friday, 15 March 2019.
The £50,000 fund that will support these community–led events as a legacy of Telford’s 50th anniversary is part of the total Telford 50 Legacy Fund.
The £2 million Telford 50 Legacy Fund supports a mix of physical schemes as well as other projects that help tackle key social issues in the borough and reduce demand on council services.
News on these schemes is published on www.telford50.co.uk/legacy
