COMMUNITY and voluntary organisations and groups in Basingstoke can now apply for funding to deliver projects to improve the quality of life and environment for residents.

The Basingstoke and Deane Pride in Place Fund has been launched by the borough council, with money available for activities to help residents learn and share new skills, get involved in arts and cultural activities, improve physical and mental wellbeing and projects to enhance green and natural spaces and biodiversity.

Revenue funding will be available to support activities, events and initiatives, and capital funding can be given for schemes to enhance the heritage of the borough, support energy efficiency and accessibility improvements and enhance green open spaces and biodiversity.

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Organisations delivering activities or managing facilities in the borough can apply for up to £25,000 of capital or revenue funding only or can submit an application for both capital and revenue funding.

However, the funding cannot be used to cover the standard operating costs of an organisation.

To confirm that projects meet the eligibility criteria, organisations and groups should contact the council at ukspf@basingstoke.gov.uk to discuss their project ideas before applying. The deadline for applications is Sunday, November 19.

Cabinet member for communities, partnerships and inclusion, Cllr John McKay said: “Community and voluntary organisations play such an important role in our borough and we want to support them to influence and deliver services and activities that our residents will value.

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“The Pride in Place Fund is designed to support new and innovative projects that will improve the quality of life and enhance the living environment in Basingstoke and Deane.

“We hope the fund will have a positive impact on residents and enable them to try and learn something new as well as improve their health and wellbeing. I would encourage groups and organisations to get in touch with the team to discuss their ideas before applying.”

Information webinars will be held to provide more details on the fund to organisations interested in applying on Wednesday, October 18 and Monday, October 23. To register for a webinar, prospective applicants can email ukspf@basingstoke.gov.uk. 

The total budget allocated to the fund for 2023/24 and 2024/25 is £363,041, with £99,307 available in this financial year and £263,734 available in the next financial year.

More information about the Basingstoke and Deane Pride in Place Fund is available at basingstoke.gov.uk/pride-in-place-fund.