New Grants for Community Projects in North Norfolk

North Norfolk Community Partnership has deposited £50,000 into a new fund to support community projects in the District with grants of up to £5,000.

The North Norfolk Community Fund will offer grants to help meet a wide range of needs in our communities. Its overall aims are to improve health and wellbeing, tackle disadvantage, and make communities more sustainable.

Anyone - or any organisation - can apply but they must have a clear plan and a system for showing the success of the project. The deadline for the first round of grants is on 13 October, with applications assessed by December and funds allocated in January 2007. There will be two rounds of grant-giving each year, and a total of £25,000 will be allocated in the first year.

The North Norfolk Community Fund is funded by the North Norfolk Community Partnership of which NNDC is a lead member. It is part of a county-wide portfolio of charitable funds managed by the Norfolk Community Foundation, which aims to build an endowment of £10 million by the year 2010 to help community and voluntary organisations across Norfolk.

Examples of community projects that have benefited from other Norfolk Community Foundation grants include the Omnibus Project (a mobile playgroup with IT facilities travelling around northeast Norfolk) and a two-day residency by the Rambert Dance company with the Norwich-based Thalia Theatre Company for people with disabilities and learning difficulties.

The North Norfolk Community Fund will be available to meet community needs within North Norfolk District. A local panel of eight representatives will decide which applications are successful and, having judged each one on its merits according to the criteria.

The Norfolk Community Foundation aims to attract money from and make donations on behalf of corporate sources and private trusts. For more information about criteria and how to apply for a grant or make a donation, contact the Norfolk Community Foundation by calling 01603 882138, email info@norfolkfoundation.com or visit www.norfolkfoundation.com

ENDS