[WiLT] Capacitybuilders launches grants to help refurbish local resource centres

[WiL Admin]

Capacitybuilders launches grants to help refurbish local resource
centres

Capacitybuilders has opened the bidding for a £5m capital grants
programme to improve resource centres for third sector organisations.

The Government-backed body will allocate cash in three programmes
until March 2011 to invest in refurbishing and improving buildings
being used by the third sector as local resource centres.

The first programme, worth £1m and open until 31 January 2009, offers
established centres the chance to win grants of up to £30,000 to make
small-scale improvements in areas such as access, accommodation, IT
and equipment.

The second programme will give out £2.5m to support large-scale
development. Expressions of interest are open until 31 January 2009,
with up to 50 applicants invited to submit detailed business plans by
July 2009.

The third tranche will invest £1.5m in around five flagship projects
that will "develop or significantly expand" local third sector
resource centres, offering capital grants of £200,000 to £500,000.
Expressions of interest must be submitted before the end of March.

"This investment in capital grants will support initiatives that
encourage collaboration and shared back room functions," said Julia
Kaufmann, chair of Capacitybuilders' funding, policy and programmes
committee. "It will help third sector organisations that own or run
resource centres make the best use of assets in supporting frontline
organisations."

The money is the last to be allocated under the Office of the Third
Sector's £88.5m ChangeUp infrastructure programme, which will run
until 2011. For more information visit
http://www.capacitybuilders.org.uk/capital.

http://ecm.hbpl.co.uk/re?l=evzokfI450l1k5I18