The new Neighbourhood Investment Fund, which is replacing the former Cash Grants scheme, will be available to apply for from Monday, 22 June with up to £20,000 available for each Manchester ward.
Local people and community groups can have a huge impact in their community and the city council remains committed to supporting activity that improves neighbourhoods and make people’s lives better.
Funding is available for projects that fall in to the following categories and local people and community organisations are invited to apply for financial support.
Work & skills – projects that help people in a community to get back in to work by offering additional learning and opportunities to improve skills. It could also help fund any activities relating to coaching, mentoring or volunteering.
Community groups – new groups can bid for initial seed funding to get an idea off the ground, become more recognised in the local neighbourhood and actively engage the community with activities. Established groups could also receive on-off funding to help support smaller groups and deliver local services.
Improving the environment and increase recycling – groups looking to organise community clean up or planting projects can bid – with special encouragement for ideas focussed on increased recycling and waste reduction in a community.
Other activities and events – applications will be considered for events that benefit the community and support the ward priorities of the local area. These applications should be discussed with the key contact person in applicant’s local ward.
Cllr Sue Murphy, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “No one knows their neighbourhood like the very people who live there. We’re looking for people who have a passion for their community and want to make a difference to the lives of their neighbours and improve their local area.
“In the past we have seen some great, innovative projects that have made a real difference in the community. Now it’s over to the people of Manchester to tell us how they think their neighbourhood can be made better.”
