Hurry up to apply for funds

COMMUNITY groups in Oldham are being urged to apply for grassroots funding before it disappears next year.

There is £118,030 available through the Community Foundation’s Grassroots Fund up until September 2010.

More than 56 groups based in Oldham have already benefited from £204,529 worth of funding from Grassroots grants, including Coppice United Football Club and the Delph Brass Band.

Rob Malyan, programme manager who oversees the Grassroots scheme, said: “This fund is available to support groups within Greater Manchester area with a range of costs.

“Groups must have been in existence for over 12 months and be volunteer led. It is important to emphasise to groups that they will have to apply as soon as possible as the money won’t last long.”

Awards of up to £5,000 are available and can be used to fund a wide range of activities such as purchasing equipment, putting on a local event, contributions to rent and the training of volunteers.

The funding is intended to respond to the diverse needs of community organisations.

Call the Community Foundation on (0161) 214 0940 or visit www.communityfoundation.co.uk