Celebrate what's great about Manchester
Local groups can apply for a grant to celebrate what if great about their community.
Communities are getting millions of pounds to celebrate what's great about their local area, thanks to a new ÂŁ3.8 million grant programme.
As part of the Queen’s 90th birthday year, The Big Lottery Fund is calling on local groups and organisations of all sizes to apply for funding and it could be anything between £300 and £10,000, to hold events or activities that will bring people together.
This opportunity comes as a survey by the Big Lottery Fund found that given the chance, more than 40% would like to celebrate their local history, and more than two fifths (43%) of those aged 16 to 24 would celebrate their local culture, art or music. The research also revealed that more than half (63%) of people asked reported that they have never or cannot remember ever coming together to celebrate with their local neighbourhood.
In response to these findings the Big Lottery Fund is asking people to come up with their own ideas on what they would like to celebrate, and what kinds of events they could host to bring their community together.
EDxplaining the 'Celebrate' programme, Peter Ainsworth, UK Chair of the Big Lottery Fund said: "Celebrate gives people the chance to come together, whether that’s to mark something important to their community like The Queen’s 90th birthday, commemorate a historic local event, or simply get to know your neighbours better. We want to celebrate what makes your local community great, so I’d encourage groups of all sizes to get in touch with us with their ideas."
To be eligible, applicants must be part of a constituted group which has its own bank account. The Big Lottery Fund welcomes applications from voluntary or community organisations, schools and statutory bodies, particularly those who have never considered the Big Lottery Fund as a potential source of funding. Organisations are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid disappointment as once funds have been allocated, Celebrate will close to new applications.
For more information or to apply for a Celebrate grant please visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/celebrateengland .