[WiLT] Fw: London Development Agency launches second round of Community Grants Programme

[WiL Admin]

London Development Agency launches second round of Community Grants Programme

The London Development Agency (LDA) is today launching the second round of
funding for its 2007-10 Community Grants Programme. Small voluntary and
community organisations are today invited to apply to the LDA where eligible
organisations will be able to benefit from the £5.5 million available through
this scheme.

Typical organisations that apply for funding are social enterprises, charities,
and community groups that support refugees, women, disabled people and families.
They are expected to reach out into London's communities as the Programme's aim
is to provide a stepping stone for disadvantaged people, helping them progress
into mainstream training and employment.  The grants are available to voluntary
and community groups with no more than two full-time staff.

The LDA is responsible for implementing the Community Grants Programme in the
capital. The funds available are 50% LDA monies and 50% from the European Social
Fund. The scheme is managed on behalf of the LDA by Greater London Enterprise.

106 organisations were selected for grants in the first round of funding and it
is expected that around 150 groups will be successful in the second round.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said:

"Some of the capital's smallest voluntary and community groups are playing a
crucial role at ground level to help London beat the recession. However, these
smaller organisations often find it hard to compete for funding alongside the
larger, high profile projects. So this community funding, tailored specifically
to small groups, is ideal and I urge them to apply without delay."
Sir Peter Rogers, Chief Executive at the London Development Agency, said:

"This is a key programme in the LDA's commitment to support the capital's
unemployed and economically inactive into work and training. The latest round of
the Community Grants Programme will provide small voluntary and community groups
with the opportunity to access significant funding streams. We look forward to
hearing from organisations with a proven track record who can benefit from this
opportunity."

Workshops to guide interested groups through the Community Grants application
process will be held on:
16 July 2009 - 10.30am-2pm
17 July 2009 - 10.30am-2pm
6 August 2009 - 10.20am-2pm

A prospectus, eligibility criteria and guidance on the application process can
be downloaded from http://www.gle.co.uk/services/communitygrants.htm

Notes
* The London Development Agency aims to improve the quality of life for all
Londoners - working to create jobs, develop skills and promote economic growth.
* The European Social Fund (ESF) was set up to improve employment opportunities
in the European Union and raise standards of living. It aims to help people
fulfill their potential by giving them better skills and better job prospects.
There are four co-financing bodies who are delivering ESF funds focused on
London's skills and employment agenda: Department for Work and Pensions,
Learning and Skills Council, London Councils and the London Development Agency.
* The Mayor of London has strategic responsibility for ESF in London under the
new 2007-13 Programme and the LDA's European Programmes Management Unit
administer the programme on his behalf. This function is separate from the LDA's
role as a Co-financing Organisation.
* Grants can be given to any small non-governmental organisation / local
community group in London. Grants cannot be given to individuals.

Organisations must:
* have a written constitution / set of rules which was formally adopted by 31
October 2007
* have no more than 2 full time paid staff
* have an income of £60,000 or less
* have a bank account with a minimum of two signatories
* not have received ESF funding before (except as a Fast Forward Grant)
* have registered with the Charities Commission if a charity.