£100,000 fund opens for applications to support ward residents

Following £100,000 of support having been successfully awarded to support ward residents in January 2024, a further £100,000 is now available this year.

At the beginning of 2024, 37 organisations from across the city applied for a share of funding and 16 were successful.

This next £100,000 pot will be offered in two lots of £50,000 each. Applications for a maximum share of £10,000 of the first lot of £50,000 are welcomed before Sunday 16 June 2024. Dates for applications for the second lot will be announced later this year.

Any groups or organisations applying must propose projects with support the Council’s priority areas. These include better health, wellbeing and equalities, supporting people through the ongoing high cost of living and tackling the climate emergency, as outlined in the Council Plan, ‘One City, for all’.

Projects can be funded which aim to achieve, for example, bringing people together to strengthen communities; encouraging financial resilience; support for physical and mental health and encouraging protection of the environment across the city.

Cllr Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion, said: “Let’s build on the projects already underway across the city to end the inequalities which persist in York. This funding presents opportunities for organisations to be creative. This could include strengthening our communities’ financial resilience, improving wellbeing across the city, or developing greater knowledge and action about energy efficiency.”

Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing, Planning and Safer Communities, said: “By effective use of this funding, we can break down barriers to everyone in York enjoying healthier, happier, more secure lives in a fairer, more affordable city. Please do apply and speak to our Communities team with any queries.”

Organisations which have already been awarded a grant from the Ward Budget city-wide fund may not apply to this round until the project is complete and evaluated. Previously unsuccessful applicants may reapply and are encouraged to contact the Communities team to discuss their proposed project.

To find out more information on the funding and how to apply, please visit www.york.gov.uk/WardBudgetCityWideFund.

Or, for an application form please email shapingneighbourhoods@york.gov.uk or call the Communities team on 01904 551832.