New community fund launched to help Blackburn with Darwen thrive

Organisations with projects to help Blackburn with Darwen thrive are being urged to submit their proposals to make use of a new funding initiative.

The Community Renewal Fund has been launched by the government and aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK.

It is looking for pilot programmes and new approaches that invest in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council – which has been chosen by the government as the lead authority – has been given the responsibility for inviting, assessing, prioritising, and submitting bids.

The council will prioritise applications that build on local insight and knowledge, and projects that align with long-term strategic plans for local growth, target people most in need, and support community renewal. In addition, the council is looking for projects that complement other national, regional and local provision.

A maximum of £3m is available, and delivery is required by March 2022.

Martin Kelly, Strategic Director for Place, at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:

The Government’s application process is challenging, and successful bidders will be required to deliver within demanding timelines. However, it is also a great opportunity to develop and pilot new proposals to support the growth of Blackburn with Darwen.”

Applications will be assessed for selection and the successful ones will be submitted as a collective bid by the council by June 18.

Potential applications must register an Expression of Interest by 5pm, Friday, April 16, by emailing businessgrowth@blackburn.gov.uk

Please provide details of the proposed bid in the headline and include a project summary with details of which investment priority the bid relates to and an estimate of the amount of funding sought.

Applications must be submitted using the UK Community Renewal Fund Application Form, which is available here. Applications submitted in any other format will not be accepted.

Completed applications must be submitted to the council by email to businessgrowth@blackburn.gov.uk, by no later than 5pm, Friday, May 14, 2021.