Is there a community facility near you that has seen better days? Is your play area prehistoric, is the heating in your village hall horrendous, or do your allotments look atrocious? If so, then help is at hand.
Vale White Horse District Council has £175,000 available in community grants but is urging people to apply before it’s too late, as the next deadline for applications is 4pm on 15 October.
The district council has funded over one hundred projects over the last five years, from straightforward jobs like replacing furniture, toilets and heating systems, to unique ones like chiller cabinet for community shops, cinema equipment, art-inspired walking trails – and even some chainsaw sculptures. It has also helped to fund large-scale projects like new and extended village halls and replacement play areas.
Earlier this year, the council provided nearly £25,000 in grants, including more than £21,000 towards improvements to the village halls in Buckland, East Hanney, Harwell and Uffington. It also provided nearly £1,500 to Grove District Guides for camping equipment.
Cllr Elaine Ware, Cabinet Member for Grants at the Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “We know there are lots of projects out there that need funding with many local facilities and equipment that have seen better days. If you use a local facility, or a part of a community group, speak to the organiser as they may be able to apply for a grant.
“We have £175,000 available however, time is running out to apply. I urge local groups to get in touch with us and start the application process immediately. Applications close on 15 October so please apply now.”
Vale of White Horse District Council’s Grants Team offers advice and support on the council’s community grants as well as additional sources of funding to help pay for a project. For more information or to apply for a grant visit www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/grants or contact the team at grants@southandvale.gov.uk or on 01235 422405.