A fund to support the development of public facilities throughout the district is now open for the fourth year!
The Community Facilities Fund (CFF) was set up by East Northamptonshire Council (ENC) using money it receives from central government as new homes are created in the district.
A fund to support the development of public facilities throughout the district is now open for the fourth year!
The Community Facilities Fund (CFF) was set up by East Northamptonshire Council (ENC) using money it receives from central government as new homes are created in the district. This ‘New Homes Bonus’ is based on the number of properties added to the Council Tax base each year, including new builds and empty properties being brought back into use.
Constituted community groups including voluntary organisations and charities, as well as town and parish councils can bid for grants of up to £50,000 for capital projects which aim to enhance the district and benefit the whole community.
Previous projects have included building and construction work (such as at Rushden & Higham RUFC, who received £20,000 to develop their clubhouse), as well as purchasing large items of equipment (like Transition King’s Cliffe, granted over £8,000 for a new minibus).
Councillor Steven North, Leader of East Northamptonshire Council, said: “As new homes are built, the demand on community facilities often increases, so it makes sense to use some of the money we get from central government to help develop these projects.
“Last year 17 community groups benefitted from this fund, including Stanwick Community Gardens and Collyweston Village Hall. Over the next couple of years, we will see new facilities take shape and hope that all of them will make an important contribution to local people’s health and wellbeing, with an increase in active recreation.
“Now the fourth round of funding is open and we’re looking forward to seeing what our local communities bid for to help make East Northants an even better place to live, work and play in.”
In the last round, Brigstock Women’s Institute (WI) was awarded £9,418 to install toilets and connect them to the main sewer. They can now hire out their hall for events and gatherings.
Glenda Stethen, Brigstock WI’s Secretary, is very proud of the new facilities:
“We still think we are living on cloud 9. Without ENC’s very generous support in getting the toilet facilities, we just wouldn’t be where we are today. ENC has not only helped us, but the community as a whole and we are ever grateful.”
For details about the process and eligibility, please visit www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/cff
You can email or call 01832 742268 for more information.
Unlike previous rounds, all applications must have a minimum of 25% match funding.
Eligibility application forms must be submitted by 5pm on 7 September 2016.