Funding News October 2007

The Big Lottery Fund has announced the second phase of its basic scheme, which will be channelled towards the most needed services. The scheme was criticised last year for under-estimating demand for the first round of funding, which led to delays. The second round will invite bids from services it wishes to fund. The £155million scheme supports third sector services. For more information see Basic Consultation Round Two on our publications section of the website.
Broadreach, a drug and alcohol charity, has been given £427,000 by Futurebuilders. The money will be used to buy a new support centre.
The Regional Development Agency One North East has awarded 19 projects a share of £688,000. The projects help people to set up businesses or get back into work.
The Community Assets programme has opened for applications. The programme helps local authorities fund the transfer of publicly owned buildings to community organisations. Grants of £150,000 to £1million are available for the refurbishment of council buildings to benefit the community. The chair of the fund said “the community assets fund will give communities a greater stake in the buildings they use, making them a long term sustainable resource for a wide variety of groups.” You will find the application details on our fund database.
The European Union has agreed plans by the Welsh Assembly on spending £570million of structural funding. The funding will go to west Wales and the Valleys, which makes it the first part of the U.K. to have its funding programmes given the go-ahead. The programme will be launched next year.
Northern Rock has reassured grant holders that it can meets its existing commitments. The bank gives 5% of annual pre-tax profits to an independent body, the Northern Rock Foundation, to give to charities. The Foundation said it had reserves which will enable it to continue giving grants.