Archived press release

Date Published: 07/08/07

An innovative scheme aimed at channelling much-needed cash into local groups has agreed another round of grants. The Community Chest fund, which is administered jointly by Aylesbury Vale District Council and the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust (V...

An innovative scheme aimed at channelling much-needed cash into local groups has agreed another round of grants.

The Community Chest fund, which is administered jointly by Aylesbury Vale District Council and the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust (VAHT), will award around £5 million in grants over the next ten years to support projects for local people.

Since the grant scheme was launched in March, more than £100,000 has been awarded to voluntary and community organisations working in Aylesbury Vale.

Four community groups will receive funding totalling £3,600 in the latest round of ‘micro grant’ awards. These are easily accessible grants of up to £1,000 which are awarded to projects and groups for a range of different uses, such as running costs or organising a community event.

Among the successful groups was the Aylesbury Coffee Morning Club for deaf adults, who have been awarded £1,000 towards transport for local outings. The group hasn’t been on any outings locally since 1999 due to lack of funds.

The Kids Out charity received £1,000 towards its ‘Play in the Park’ days, which give disadvantaged children and young people the chance to take part in recreational activities. Sessions are planned this summer at the Alfred Rose Memorial Park, Haydon Hill play area and Healthy Living Centre in Aylesbury.

A grant of £1,000 has been given to the Aylesbury & Buckingham District Alzheimer’s Society towards a project to help members develop coping skills and memory aids. The organisation will use the grant to provide carers and transport for group sessions in Winslow.

The Long Crendon Young Farmers Club has also received funding to help set up a new junior group for members aged 10 to 16 years old. A grant of £600 will go towards the cost of sports equipment, venue hire and educational speakers.

Micro grant applications are reviewed on a monthly basis and can be submitted at any time. To be eligible to apply, groups must be formally constituted, not-for-profit and provide community activities or services which are of benefit to local residents within Aylesbury Vale.

Project grants up to £25,000 are also available for both new and existing projects that can demonstrate they are successful in meeting local needs. These are one-off grants for specific projects which are assessed by a panel consisting of three elected councillors from AVDC and three representatives from VAHT.

The third and final funding stream, long-term revenue grants, will provide funding of up to £25,000 per year for up to three years. Voluntray and community organisations must go through a two-stage application process to receive the funding.

Councillor Pam Pearce, Cabinet Member for Community Matters, said: “I’d like to encourage other organisations to come forward and see if they can benefit from the Community Chest fund. This month we have been able to help fund a variety of activities which promote wellbeing and tackle disadvantage and we want to continue supporting the good work of groups across the district.”

Matthew Applegate, Chief Executive of VAHT, said: “Once again the Community Chest has funded a number of great initiatives for the benefit of our local communities and I am looking forward to seeing more terrific ideas coming forward on how the fund can be spent.”

For further details on the grants criteria or to request an application form, please call the Community Chest Grants Officer, Sarah Rothwell, on 01296 585634, or email communitychest@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk