Wokingham

Some thirty Wokingham people from the voluntary and community sector attended a workshop run by Wokingham District Council on Tuesday September 26 to learn more about its annual revenue grant funding scheme (2007/08).

The Wokingham workshop invited representatives from voluntary and community organisations to find out more about the Council’s application process for revenue grants and they had the opportunity to ask questions, as well as learn about other possible funding opportunities available to them.

Community and voluntary organisations now have until October 31, 2006 to apply for a grant. Bids will be welcomed from community and voluntary organisations from across the Wokingham district, which 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 is 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: “I am delighted that many people from the voluntary and community sector attended the workshop to learn more about the process and to see what grant funding is available to them. The district council recognises the importance they 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 and we have to make the very difficult decisions on how it can best be allocated. Applications for projects or activities have to benefit 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.

Wokingham District Council