Reading Borough Council has allocated £100k for round 2 of the small grants to the voluntary and community sector for the year 2023/24.
The council is inviting applications for funding to support the residents to become more self-sufficient, built on a bedrock of valued educational attainment, strong skills and practical knowledge that enables them to realise their potential through accessing suitable employment opportunities. We aim to deliver this through an innovative and targeted place-based approach to addressing the underlying determinants of deprivation within the borough that adversely affect education, skills, and training.
Purpose of the funding
The small grants fund is focussed on supporting the broader objectives of the Tackling Inequality Strategy to create further opportunity for local voluntary and community organisations to play an active role in making Reading a more equal place to live for its residents.
What can you apply for?
Grants of up to £5,000 are available – increased to £10,000 for bids made in partnership proposing a co-ordinated approach by more than one organisation to support the infrastructure and/or additional capacity needed by organisations to expand existing service, deliver services in a different way or to develop new services.
Grants will be awarded for purposes such as:
- Local ‘one off’ and small projects
- Running events
- Minor start-up costs (for example, to get a new idea/project ‘off the ground’)
- Purchasing equipment
- Sessional costs
Who can apply?
The grants programme is aimed at voluntary and community groups and schools based in Reading borough:
- Charitable organisations
- Voluntary organisations
- Community groups
- Faith groups
- Sports groups
- Arts groups
- Cultural organisations
- Uniformed groups (scouts, guides etc)
- Schools
- Not-for-profit social enterprises
Application form
Find out more and apply online here
Scoring matrix
RBC have shared their scoring matrix that the panel will use to assess the applications. You can find the Scoring Matrix here
Deadline
The deadline for applications was 30 January 2024. We aim to notify outcome of the application by the first week of March 2024.
If you have any queries please contact Bikal Shrestha, Funding Officer – Community and Government Programmes email: bikal.shrestha@reading.gov.uk / tel: 0118 937 3324.
Paper versions of the application form are available if you are not able to apply online. Please contact the above individual.