Wokingham

Next month (September), Wokingham District Council will be launching its annual grant funding scheme (2007/08) for local community and voluntary organisations that work hard for the residents of the Wokingham district.

Community and voluntary organisations can apply for a grant from September 1, 2006 and they have until October 31, 2006 to submit their bids. Bids will be welcomed from community and voluntary organisations from across the Wokingham district who provide a range of services, from giving advice or looking after people’s welfare, to sport, culture, social services, education or leisure services.

And this year, applying is even easier! There is a new application form and electronic bids will also be accepted. For those bids for £500 or under there will also be a shorter application form to be completed.

Each year Wokingham District Council allocates a specific amount of its budget to support voluntary work in the district. Decisions will be reported to the voluntary groups early next year and, if successful, they will receive their grant at the beginning of the next financial year.

Executive member for community development Wokingham Cllr Dianne King said: “The district council recognises the importance many of our local voluntary and community sector groups play in our community. They provide a valuable service often complementing services provided by the council and share the same community ambitions as we do.

“The council does have a limited budget, but it is important that any organisation that may be eligible under the grants scheme gets their bid in on time. We can then take the very difficult decisions on how the budget can best be allocated and we will fund projects or activities that are run for the benefit of residents in the district.”

Guidance explaining the application process and the criteria that groups must meet to qualify for a grant as well as application forms are available on the council’s website (www.wokingham.gov.uk - under community and living) or from Sue Roberts in the council’s strategy and partnerships unit on (0118) 974 6016 or by email: sue.roberts@wokingham.gov.uk. Further information is also available from Community Voluntary Action (CVA) Wokingham-District on (0118) 984 6884.

A workshop, giving local groups the chance to find out more about the process and have the opportunity to ask questions, as well as learn about other possible funding opportunities, is being held on September 26 between 6.30pm and 9pm in the council chamber, civic offices, Shute End in Wokingham. Any of the district’s community and voluntary organisations are welcome to attend this workshop.

Wokingham District Council