Sector Wide News - £130m grassroots grants scheme opens its doors to small local voluntary and community groups

The Government’s groundbreaking £130million Grassroots Grants scheme has declared itself open for business today and is calling on small local voluntary and community groups to come forward and get their hands on essential funding.

The programme, funded by the Office of The Third Sector and administered by the Community Development Foundation, offers grants of between £250 and £5,000 to support activities that lie right at the heart of our local communities.

Within the programme, the Government has set aside a £50million pot from which it will match endowment investments from businesses. This offers businesses the chance to contribute directly to supporting and sustaining the communities in which they operate.

To keep the process as simple and easy as possible for applicants, the money is being distributed directly through local funders – slightly larger local organisations already based in the community and selected because they are familiar with the needs and causes in each area.

Details of the local funders can be found on the CDF website  or by calling the Grassroots Grants helpline on 01223 400 331.