Grants available for community projects to build a stronger borough

Got an idea for a project that will help to bring people in Blackburn with Darwen together?

A grants fund is available through Blackburn with Darwen’s government-funded social integration programme for local groups and organisations to deliver projects to help build a stronger borough.

There’s a total of £80,000 in the Our Community, Our Future grants fund. Grants of up to £2,000 are available for new projects, and up to £5,000 to expand projects previously funded through the programme.

Groups can bid for as much or as little as they need.

Eligible projects will help to build more resilient and inclusive communities in a number of ways – the more innovative, the better!

Previous successful projects include:

• A drumming project that culminated in a performance at the Blackburn Festival of Lights
• A bowling project that introduced asylum seekers to the sport
• A project that led walks and outdoor activities in the borough’s green spaces.

It’s important that bidders demonstrate how their proposed project can support integration by bringing people from diverse backgrounds together, and how it can be sustainable without further funding.

Groups and organisations from the voluntary, community and faith sector can apply, as well as charities, groups such as scouts and guides, and schools. Joint applications from groups working collaboratively are encouraged.

All projects must be delivered by 31 March 2022.

Sayyed Osman, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Strategic Director of Adults & Health, said:

I’m delighted that through our social integration programme we can offer funding to community groups and organisations once again.

These groups are a vital part of our work to build strong and resilient communities in BwD and their projects have already had a huge impact.

Groups funded through these grants in 2019/20 achieved such a lot, helping make connections between people from different parts of the borough who wouldn’t normally mix. Many residents found they shared interests – from gardening to bowling, arts to music.

As the borough starts to recover from the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s more important than ever that we support our grass roots organisations to flourish.

These Our Community, Our Future grants are a great way for groups to kick-start their activities as we emerge from lockdown.

The Our Community, Our Future grants are provided through the Our Community, Our Future social integration programme for Blackburn with Darwen, which is funded by the Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG).

You can find details of the grants and apply online at bit.ly/OCOFgrants .

Groups and organisations have until Sunday 16 May to submit applications for Our Community, Our Future grants.

Successful groups and organisations will be contacted after the applications have been evaluated during the week commencing 17 May.

Anyone with questions about the Our Community, Our Future grants fund, or who needs help completing their application online, can contact the Council’s social integration programme team on 01254 304597 or integration@blackburn.gov.uk.

Hard copies of the application form are also available from the team on the contact details above.

Blackburn with Darwen is one of five national Integration Areas, places working closely with MHCLG on a programme to address social integration challenges through innovation. Find out more on the Council website.

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