The East Midlands ESF Community Grants programme is due to launch on Monday 2 February 2009.  From that date details about how to apply will be available on the web-sites detailed below, and the application form and guidance will be available from your local ESF Community Grants Development Worker.
 
The ESF Community Grants programme is designed to assist small not-for-profit groups based in and run by people from the community they support.  

The aim of providing small grants is to give community groups an opportunity to access funding, through a simplified process, to undertake activity that helps engage and progress disadvantaged individuals in positive community work. Projects should provide an opportunity to develop confidence and skills and be more able to take advantage of further opportunities that help them progress towards the labour market.

For this first application round there is a total of £586,000 funding available. Groups can apply for up to £10,000, with an expected average grant being £5,870.
 
Advice on project eligibility, help with application development and the submission of the application is available on a one-to-one basis.  Potential applicants are advised to contact us well before the application deadline (30 March 2009) so maximum support can be provided.  Contact details for the local ESF Community Grants Development Workers are as follows:
 
Derbyshire Learning and Development Consortium
Rosie Slater - 0133 226 5965
rosie.slater@consortium.org.uk
www.consortium.org.uk

 

                            

Only Connect is a visit scheme sponsored by Triodos Bank. It enables you to visit another voluntary and community organisation (VCO) to learn about their experience and the key issues to consider when generating earned income. 
NB - this scheme applies to organisations based in England only.

 

They pay £150 for your time and travel to visit another organisation to learn about how they have diversified their income into trading or public service delivery or by using loan finance. They will pay the host organisation £200 as a consultation fee for their time spent with you.  All they ask in return is that you write a report of the visit so they can allow others to share your learning.

So, if you would like to: Pursue a new trading idea; Learn about the delivery of public services under contract; Use a loan to increase the capacity of your organisation to do either of the above; then apply to Only Connect and learn from colleagues in the sector.

 

Visit our applicant's page on website below to download an application form and to view a step-by-step guide to the application process.  Click here for the website.
The bursaries are awarded every three months - closing date for the next round is 13 March 2009.

Tuesday 17 February.  2.00 to 3.30 pm
The Bramblebrook Community Centre, Stockbrook Road
 
The Piramid Project invites all those residents who are over 50 years of age to join them for a cup of tea and a chat.  We also have a guest speaker from Trading Standards who will offer you some good advice on how to keep safe in your home and community.
 
If you require support and transport to attend or more information please contact: Carol Sayers: 01332 227720.  Email by clicking here.