[WiLT] The Empowerment Fund - applications by 6th January 2009

[WiL Admin]

The Empowerment Fund

Communities and Local Government is looking to invest £7.5m in a
limited number of key third sector organisations over the next three
years through the Empowerment Fund.

It is designed to support organisations operating across the country
assist local communities to take forward the proposals in the White
Paper. It will provide strategic, stable and sector funding for the
third sector. We are providing support to organisations, not to
projects, over three years. The fund is limited to organisations with
charitable, philanthropic or benevolent purposes

The Empowerment fund will help national organisations' outreach on the
ground. This fund is set to help these organisations put key proposals
into practical actions. The sector has been involved in shaping the
proposals through a consultation. We have considered the responses and
made a number of changes to reflect those comments received.

The fund is a good deal for the sector - and represents a new way of
doing things - because it's not about Government coming to the third
sector with a very specific and detailed list of things to do.
Provided organisations have reach and influence across the country,
and have empowerment at the centre of what they do, we're prepared to
entertain bids to support whatever they see as the best way of making
a difference under the theme.

Closing date for applications is midday 6 January 2009.

http://www.communities.gov.uk/communities/thirdsector/theempowermentfund/


Longer description

Empowerment Fund

Third sector organisations working toward empowerment across the
country are invited to apply for support through the £7.5m Empowerment
Fund.

The purpose of the Empowerment Fund is to give financial assistance to
20-25 eligible third sector organisations and make the most of their
potential in supporting empowered communities.

The Empowerment Fund will provide three year grants for community
empowerment organisations operating across England. The security of a

three year fund will help these organisations plan ahead with
confidence and we will be looking for them to show how they will make
effective use of financial assistance from the Fund to do yet more.

Charitable and voluntary services are some of the best promoters of
community empowerment, offering people real opportunities for local
involvement and finding new and innovative ways of way of giving
people a voice, a say, and a stake in the choices that make a
difference to their lives.

The three-year Empowerment Fund is about acknowledging that key role
and giving the support these organisations need to continue to
strengthening and empowering their local communities however they see
fit, from community involvement in planning and community leadership,
to social enterprise and entrepreneurship."

The £7.5m Fund, which will run from 2009-2012 will be divided between
20-25 organisations with either £250,000 or £500,000 grants over three
years.

Communities in Control sets out a range of action to find tomorrow's
leaders from within communities; help local people understand how they
can make their voice heard; make sure that people feel that the town
hall is theirs and they can have a say on how services like libraries
and social care are delivered and make the best use of new technology
such as internet sites to rally people behind their cause and into
action.

The Government first announced plans for the Empowerment Fund in July
in the White Paper, Communities in Control: real people, real power.
Third sector organisations interested in finding out more about the
fund, the criteria to apply, and the selection process can obtain more
information from at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/communities/thirdsector/ .

The Empowerment fund will grant money to 20-25 third sector
organisations who can help deliver on the key themes set out in the
White Paper, Communities in Control: real people, real power .

Themes for delivery could include: Community Voices and Leadership;
Community Development; Community and Social Media; Community
involvement in Planning: Improving communication between citizens and
councillors; Social Enterprises and Social Entrepreneurship; Helping
small organisations to work together.

Websites:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/1005709
http://www.communities.gov.uk/communities/thirdsector/