Fiona Bruce MP encourages local charities to apply for funds
Fiona Bruce MP is urging charities and community led enterprises within her constituency to apply for a new funding opportunity following the launch of the Power to Change Fund.
“I have often said that if people want to see the Big Society in action they should come to this Constituency, I am consistently impressed by the community spirit, cohesion and commitment I see demonstrated by such a large number of community and voluntary organisations. I urge all those who can do so to take advantage of the upcoming ‘Power to Change’ fund as I can think of no area more deserving of funding to continue their excellent work.”
The Big Lottery Fund recently announced Power to Change, a new £150 million investment which will fund and support community-led enterprises across England.
A community led enterprise is on which is ‘endorsed by, or engaging directly with, local people’. The lead partner should be a charity, social enterprise, not-for-profit or co-operative organisation. The enterprise must be inclusive of all the community and benefit a specific geographical locality, responding to a local social and economic need and have a sustainable business plan to have a long term viability without the aid of grants or public funding.
The £150 million fund is intended to unlock millions of pounds more of local resources, such as volunteer hours, in-kind support, local donations and the support for community enterprises to generate their own income and be self-sustaining for years to come.
Funding will be made available to communities through an independent Trust, which will be established in 2014. The Power to Change fund will then open for applications in the second half of 2014.
You can get stay up to date on Power to Change and get involved by visiting their website for further information www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/powertochange
