Co-operative cash boost for groups

ORGANISATIONS with proposals on how to boost their local community can now apply for cash from a special fund.

The Co-operative Oldham Fund — coordinated by Voluntary Action Oldham and Oldham Council — is seeking submissions from organisations that have a great idea but need funding to get it off the ground.

Projects that help people to get into work or promote wellbeing in the community are the biggest priorities for the fund.

It is open to community groups, voluntary organisations, registered charities and faith groups. Social enterprises and community interest companies may also be eligible to apply, depending on the nature of the organisation.

The fund is split into two categories — the Seed Fund for smaller projects, and the Full Fund for larger ones.

Grassroots organisations should apply for the Seed Fund, where successful projects could receive up to £1,000. The deadline for applications is Monday, July 15.

The Full Fund is intended for organisations with greater capacity and experience of bigger community projects. VAO and Oldham Council hope to see project ideas that help people to help themselves by bringing about positive, long-lasting change.

Successful applicants could receive up to £10,000. The deadline for Full Fund projects is noon on Friday, July 26.

Voluntary Action Oldham is providing support and advice to anyone interested in applying.

The fund brings together an investment from the council’s own budget, along with a number of dormant and unused charity accounts that have been merged.

The fund is described as truly co-operative with the groups that benefit from the fund being expected to do their bit in return, either through raising money to invest back into the fund or by sharing time and expertise with other local community groups.

Councillor Jean Stretton, Oldham Council’s Cabinet member for co-operatives and neighbourhoods, said: “Opening this fund is a significant step in Oldham’s co-operative agenda. The money will enable people to bring forward projects that will make a real difference in their neighbourhoods.”

Guidelines and application information for the fund can be found at www.vaoldham.org.uk or by contacting Jane Glaysher-White on 0161-633 6222, email jane.glaysherwhite@vaoldham.org.uk.
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