Roll Up! Roll Up! Grants Info at Fairs and Carnivals this Summer!

NNDC is at carnivals, fairs and fetes this summer, giving out information about all the grants it offers to local people.

The District Council will be at seven community fairs and carnivals across the District, giving advice on applying for grants and promoting its newly-published Grants Directory. It started in Stalham on Friday, 28 May, 2004,

The Grants Directory allows people to find out how to get money towards all kinds of activities in North Norfolk, from disability modifications at home to arts initiatives and 'green' community projects - all the grants, in fact, that NNDC offers.

Details of these grants are also now available online, by going to www.northnorfolk.org/grants/

The online grants search service is provided by information services specialists j4b plc, which runs a network of such sites across the country to help businesses and community groups get access to vital funds.

NNDC's processes for offering grants have been streamlined and improved significantly in the last two years. The Council's approach has been so successful that it was commended by Parliament in April for its new arrangements for funding voluntary and community groups.

NNDC was praised not only for its simplified application process and online service, but also the way in which it gives advance payments of small grants (rather than invoicing after services have been delivered) and its local promotion of available grants.

NNDC's Chief Executive, Philip Burton, said: "The commendation is particularly timely as we embark on a process aimed at strengthening our partnership with the voluntary and community sector.

"We are aware of the energy and enthusiasm which exists within local organisations and our vision is to support the sector through enabling the development of both infrastructure and capacity through improving access to resources and advice throughout the District."

As well as Stalham's festival, NNDC will have a presence at the following fairs and carnivals this summer:

• 31 May - Happisburgh and Walcott Village Fete
• 11 July - North Walsham Festival
• 30 July-1 Aug - Worstead Festival
• 4 Aug - Sheringham Carnival
• 7 Aug - Wells-next-the-Sea Carnival
• 18 Aug - Cromer Carnival

ENDS