Pot of cash to get bright ideas working

Janet Maloney

OLDHAMERS are being offered cash to bring their bright ideas to life.

A new pot of money worth £70,000 is available to support a whole range of exciting activities and projects, inspired and run by Oldham people.

The new Small Grants Scheme will be run by Voluntary Action Oldham, known to many local community and voluntary groups for funding and volunteering support, with funding from The Oldham Partnership.

The scheme is targeted at proposals from small and newer groups. But it can also support groups who come into existence on account of an idea which is inspired by the scheme — so new groups are positively encouraged to make their move.

Smaller projects needing up to £500 will enjoy special priority, as the scheme aims to kick-start lots of new ideas, although grants of up to £5,000 are available.

The scheme does have a particular focus and ideas should involve people in arts-based projects, or should get adults to take part in sport or active recreation. Setting up schemes where people are involved in regular volunteering is also of special interest.

Janet Maloney, of Voluntary Action Oldham, who is helping people apply to the scheme, said: “We hope to encourage anybody who thinks their idea is a good one to get a group together and put in an application.

Workshops are at a variety of locations across the town and are being arranged with the help of the area managers’ team at Oldham Council.

Ring Jahida Begum on 0161-770 1120 to book your place.