Community groups can apply to council for extra cash (From Dorset Echo)

Community groups can apply to council for extra cash

4:30pm Friday 4th January 2013 in News By James Tourgout

COMMUNITY groups in West Dorset who are seeking extra cash for their projects can apply to West Dorset District Council for a share of the car boot grants.

The grants are raised through the fees for those selling at Dorchester Market and West Bay Road car boot sales.

They are distributed to community groups in the Dorchester and Bridport areas.

Groups and organisations can apply for the grants.

Last year the district council distributed £53,913 to 69 community groups from the two funds.

Gillian Summers, West Dorset District Council chairman, said: “If your community group could do with a small grant to help towards a project that your group has wanted to do for some time then I fully encourage you to apply to the car boot funds.”

Groups and organisations can apply for next year’s grant from now until Tuesday, April 30.

A panel of councillors will decide who receives funding and then the applicants will be notified.

Former recipients have included Homestart West Dorset which received £500 towards volunteer support for families and Bridport Community Orchard which had £350 to buy spring bulbs and a notice board.

Others to benefit have included Transition Town Bridport which was awarded £1,350 to provide DIY training to unemployed young people in Bridport and Bridport Museum.

The museum received £1,000 to continue to employ a community engagement worker who encourages and supports volunteers.

How you can help

APPLICATION forms and guidance notes can be found at dorsetforyou.com/bridportfund Forms and guidance notes are also available at town council offices and tourist information centres.

For more information about applying for a grant contact Sue Bickle on 01305 252238 or email s.bickle@westdorset-weymouth.gov.uk.