COMMUNITY and voluntary organisations across Basingstoke and Deane can now apply for grants to build their business and allow them to respond to changing needs in their communities.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Basingstoke Voluntary Action have launched the second round of the Strengthening Communities Grant Scheme.

The scheme enables organisations, including community and voluntary groups, schools and parish and town councils, to apply for grants of up to £10,000 or up to £15,000 for joint applications, to support them to become more resilient and drive innovation to better meet community needs.

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This includes funding to improve their business model, enhance their income generation, develop marketing plans and increase their volunteer base. The funding cannot be used to fund existing programmes or projects.

Applicants must be operating in Basingstoke and Deane and have a bank account. Organisations who were unsuccessful in the first round are welcome to submit a new application.

Cabinet Member for Partnerships Cllr Jenny Vaux said: “We are extremely lucky to have so many individuals and groups who strive to do so much for their communities in our borough. Community and voluntary groups play a vital role in our borough, and we value their contribution.

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“We have a strong track record of supporting community organisations to deliver services and activities for residents. The council is committed to supporting them to adapt for the future and ensure their work continues to meet their area's needs and helps residents to thrive.”

Basingstoke Voluntary Action’s Community Development manager Mary Robinson added: “We are pleased to keep supporting and administrating this grant scheme. Its focus on resilience and innovation reflects the needs and priorities of the local voluntary sector well and actively matches both the council’s and BVA’s aims in championing flourishing communities here in the borough.”

For more information about the new Strengthening Communities Grant Scheme, please visit www.bvaction.org.uk/scgs. The deadline is Sunday, September 11.