Mayor in the North East Kim McGuinness has unveiled plans to support her region’s grassroots organisations, charities and community groups through a new £1m Opportunity Fund.
The money will be invested over a two-year period, with the first round of grants ringfenced for organisations looking to build community cohesion – this is a direct response to last month’s public disorder.
Key targets
Organisations tackling poverty or supporting deprived areas will also be key targets for the funding.
“Recent public disorder underlines just how vital it is to support people who bring hope to our region and work relentlessly to stamp out hatred from our streets.,” said Kim McGuinness.
She added: “As Mayor I’m determined to bring people together, and support those who sacrifice their time and effort to offer opportunity to others.
“My mission to tackle poverty and create opportunity will start from the grassroots – and that’s why I’m backing our community groups who lead this fight on the ground.”
Imminent launch
The plans are expected to be presented to the North East Combined Authority’s cabinet before the September meeting for approval.
The fund is scheduled to start taking applications this autumn, with details set to be announced shortly by the combined authority.
Martin Brookes, CEO at Voluntary Organisations’ Network North East, said: “We welcome the introduction of the Mayor's Opportunity Fund, and the opportunity for the North East Combined Authority to support the voluntary and community sector’s valuable work.
“Community engagement and cohesion is at the heart of what the sector does, and it is crucial that there is funding to sustain this work, particularly in the aftermath of the recent riots.”
Brookes is also community and voluntary sector member of the North East Combined Authority.
Image credit: iStock
