New 'Fast Track' for Community Group Grants

Deadline looms for local projects to make their bids

Community and voluntary groups across Hammersmith & Fulham are being invited to bid for up to £5,000 each from H&F Council's new Fast Track small grants scheme to pay for projects ranging from activities for children, older and disabled people to local heritage, environmental or crime reduction schemes.

The council expects a big response to its invitation to apply for the fund's first round of grants by the deadline of Friday, 6 July and is keen to ensure as many groups as possible take advantage of the new scheme. Fast Track gives local voluntary or community organisations flexibility to bid for specific projects or new initiatives costing anything from £100 to £5,000.

The scheme is part of a £4.2 million pot which has been divided between local groups for 2007-8. This represents an overall increase of two per cent from the previous year, following the biggest overhaul of grants to the voluntary sector for more than ten years.

Cllr Antony Lillis, cabinet member for community and children's services, said, "This brand new scheme is certain to be popular with voluntary and community groups, which often need modest sums to pay for particular projects or activities. This is another way in which the overall £4.2 million pot has been opened up to local organisations which have not previously been able to apply for money."

Applications will be particularly welcomed from groups and projects which offer:
* opportunities for all as well as good value and high quality services to residents
* improved educational standards and choice
* ways to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime
* help in making the borough cleaner and greener
* better services for vulnerable residents
* ways to promote home ownership.

To apply or find out more:
* Download an application form and guidance notes at www.lbhf.gov.uk/communityliaison; email communityliaison@lbhf.gov.uk; write to Community Liaison, Room 42, Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, W6 9JU or phone 020 8753 2487.

Decisions on bids to the scheme, which has £100,000 available in 2007-8, will be made by 24 September and funding will be available from 1 October.

June 22, 2007