Community groups can apply online for reward grants

Royal Borough community groups are being reminded that they can now apply online for reward grants totalling nearly £200,000 to promote the Big Society.

The online application forms enable community groups to apply for a share of the funding to help them take forward projects and activities which contribute to the council's Big Society agenda.

Applications will be considered monthly for projects which promote:
• social action - involving more people in their communities through the giving of time, money and other resources
• civic participation - local people taking control of how things are done in their area
• removing barriers - for people to take action for things that matter to them.

All proposals should demonstrate how they support the council's Big Society agenda by increasing volunteering and developing community projects and social enterprises.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, Deputy Chairman of Cabinet, said: "We have already had a lot of calls from community groups interested in applying for reward grants and hopefully the new forms will make the process even easier.

"These grants will help groups to develop projects and activities which support our position as a Big Society vanguard authority and which will benefit residents by supporting future community development."

The Local Area Agreement reward grant was awarded by the government in March after the Council successfully worked with partner organisations to meet 13 government targets.

Online application forms are available on the Royal Borough website at www.rbwm.gov.uk - click on the Big Society panel on the home page and then on the Big Society grants heading to download a form.

Applications for reward grant funding are made to the Council's Big Society Panel.

For further information please email bigsociety@rbwm.gov.uk or contact Harjit Hunjan, Community and Business Partnerships Manager on 01628 796947.

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