Cambridge volunteer groups set to benefit from £900k city council grants

More than 70 voluntary and community groups and organisations could get a share.

Groups and organisations applying for grants set out how the council’s objectives of improving health and wellbeing, bringing communities together, improving employment opportunities or creating a stronger voluntary sector in the city would be met.

Those able to show how their projects would support people in need have been recommended for a grant.

If the council’s budget is approved in February, the community grants budget will be set at £900k, as it has been for the past two years.

Cllr Richard Johnson, Executive Councillor for Communities, said: “We are fortunate in Cambridge to have such a rich and diverse range of organisations providing important services for people who would benefit greatly from them.

“We recognise the positive impact these organisations services have on the community and for that reason remain committed to helping fund their crucial work.

“The council continues to face major financial challenges, as everyone knows, but our top priority remains supporting residents with the greatest needs.

“That has again been the critical consideration in deciding where our grants should be allocated this year, because we want to make sure Cambridge remains a great place to live for everyone, no matter their income or life experience.”

£60k of the community grants budget for 2017-18 will be distributed by the council’s area committees.

Among those set for grant funding are:

• Cambridge Citizens Advice Bureau for generalist and specialist legal advice and financial capability work

• Cambridge and District Volunteer Centre to support volunteer good practice capacity building

• Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service, to represent and support city voluntary and community groups

• Cambridge Ethnic Forum, a BAME community group, for capacity building, women’s skill development, and a race equality service to tackle discrimination

• Cambridge Women’s Resources Centre, for skills and confidence building for women

• Cambridge Online and Cambridge Housing Society to improve digital skills and participation

• Centre 33 for its work to provide information, advice and support for young people

• Encompass and SexYOUality for LGBT+ information, support, networking and events

• Employment support from the GET Group, Richmond Fellowship, Groundwork East

• Targeted activities from a range of organisations including: Kelsey Kerridge, Cambridge Junction and the Museum of Cambridge

Cllr Johnson is recommended to approve the community grants funding package at Community Services Scrutiny Committee on 19 January.