Funds available for voluntary organisations

7:00pm Wednesday 3rd September 2008

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VOLUNTARY organisations in Wyre Forest have an opportunity to apply for a part of £1.2 million being distributed by Worcestershire County Council.

From Monday, Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations across Worcestershire will be able to pick up an application pack for one of two types of grants.

The money is available as strategic grants, for three years, and community grants, for one year or for a one-off activity.

An advice session will take place on Tuesday, September 23, at Kidderminster Town Hall, from 10am to 1pm, where people can find out more about the grants.

Members of the Worcestershire Infrastructure Consortium - who offer support across all areas of the voluntary and community sector - will give advice on how to complete the application form.

The funding is being made available as part of the second phase of the county council’s VCS grant-giving scheme. A total of £953,000 in grants was awarded to 45 VCS organisations throughout Worcestershire by the county council in the first phase.

The grant programme was created following consultation last year as the county council sought to put the Worcestershire Compact into practice.

The Compact is an agreement between the public and voluntary sectors to work together to improve the way services are delivered in the community.

Councillor Simon Geraghty, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for planning, economy and performance, said: "The grant programme shows our continued support and commitment to voluntary organisations. We are keen for as many groups as possible to complete an application form and apply for one of these grants.

“Our grant programme is a positive step forward in helping the voluntary and community sector which, in turn, helps to deliver public services throughout Worcestershire."

Anyone who wants an application pack should call 01905 766885, email sjones12@worcestershire.gov.uk or log on to www.worcestershire.gov.uk/voluntary and click on the grants link.

The closing date for applications is October 31 at 4pm.