NVSC

Lyn, who spent many years working in the voluntary sector, knows only too well how important the Grassroots Grants are – and also knows that the small grants will make a huge difference to the work of the community organisations.

Lyn took a couple of hours out of her very busy schedule to find out more about the groups and present the cheques.

All of the successful groups felt that Lyn’s attendance gave the scheme the profile it deserves and they spoke to her about the need for the Government to recognise the worth that community organisations bring in promoting community cohesion and tolerance. With the current cut backs in funding pots it is vital that not only the Government recognise the value of the sectors, but that instead of funders reducing their grants there needs to be more resources available.

This was the first round of the grant and nine projects were funded. We had received twelve applications so the selection was relatively easy! There was an extremely tight timescale to the first round so it was doubly impressive that 12 organisations were able to be focused enough to apply.

We knew that the next round would be oversubscribed – we had sent out over 90 applications. We received 58 applications and the programme was oversubscribed by over £150k, so the panel had some very tough decisions to make, and out of the 58 applications received we were only able to fund 18. The good news is that there is one more round in this financial year – closing date is the 4th of February. And of course there is a further 2 years, so you have plenty of time to think about your project ideas.

Not only does NVSC administer the grants we also provide support to groups with the application process. This support ranges from helping the group to be clear about project aims and outcomes, support in putting together a realistic budget to just reading a draft application. So please, if you are uncertain about any aspect of your application, do make an appointment to see either of us – it may well save you time in the end.

Thanks must be passed on to the 6 people who made up the 2 panels – Lorraine Cavanagh, Malathy Muthu, Gloria Awosika, Mustafa Arrale, Parmjit Singh and Sarjoh Aziz Kamara -  it isn’t always the easiest job but they take their roles very seriously – bring many years experience of Newham with them and give of their time for free!