Adur & Worthing’s third sector urged to bid for grants

Community and voluntary groups across Adur and Worthing can start their new year with a bang by bidding for grants worth more than £3 million.

Adur & Worthing Councils recognise that the scores of third sector organisations across both areas play an integral part in supporting our communities.

To help them proposer, both local authorities are urging organisations to get their bids in to a number of pots of cash made available through the public, private and third sectors to ensure they thrive in 2018 and beyond.

For those groups that need support, Community Works, which is Adur & Worthing Councils’ community and voluntary sector support service, can provide one-to-one support before submitting any application.

It comes as there are just a few days left to bid for the Rampion Fund at Sussex Community Foundation.

Made available by E.On, which is behind the Rampion wind farm off the Sussex coast, it consists of a pot of £3.1 million with individual charities invited to bid for grants of up to £50,000.

Some of this funding specifically ring-fenced for groups in east Worthing and Lancing. The deadline is 12th January, with another round in spring.

Other grants that are available include:

·        Sussex Community Grants - deadline 12th January (two further rounds later in 2018)

·        West Sussex County Council Small Grants - deadline 15th January

·        Adur Community Grants - deadline 26th January

·        Community Chest - deadline end of January

·        Community Safety Fund - opens 8th January, deadline 9th February.

Councillor David Simmons, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “As a council we have always valued the benefits that local organisations bring to the people of our communities.

“It is important that we continue to support, encourage and celebrate the key services and support that they provide. I urge as many groups as possible to act now so they do not miss out on these crucial funding opportunities.”

Councillor Val Turner, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Funding is always one of the challenges faced by the thriving third sector across Worthing. These pots of cash give organisations the perfect opportunity to start 2018 on a positive note.

“I urge groups across the borough to use the experience and expertise offered by Community Works which will help voluntary groups across Worthing continue to prosper.”