Community and local groups encouraged to apply for funding

LOCAL community and voluntary groups are being encouraged to seek funding through several funds available from Devon County Council via their local county councillor.

The Locality and Invest in Devon Funds are available to help groups finance their various important projects and can allocate them small and medium sized grants.

Many local village halls and charitable organisations have been helped over the past few years. They include Crediton Youth Theatre, Crediton Age Concern, The Community Book Shop and the Journey Counselling organisation to name just a few.

Cllr Nick Way (Crediton Rural) said: “Because councils have lost much of their funding from central government and are about to lose more, local organisations, many run and staffed by hard working volunteers, are helping to pick up some of the services and work previously carried out by local authorities.

"Often run on very tight budgets, these organisations need to be congratulated for the work they do within our communities and encouraged as much as possible.

"We are particularly keen that all organisations are aware that these grants are available and can be applied for.

"We are especially interested in hearing from those who have yet to make a application.”

Groups can also apply to The Town and Parish (TAP) fund, mainly financed though DCC, but administered by Mid Devon District Council .

Nick is happy to advise and can be contacted at: [email protected] or by telephone on 01363 777903.

Organisations can also find much information about these funds by looking at the council’s websites.

Age Concern Crediton recently received a grant and was extremely grateful to be presented with a cheque for £1,000, which it says, will go a long way towards replacing the French windows at its Day Care Centre in Deep Lane.

A spokesperson for Age Concern Crediton said: "The cheque offered by Cllr Nick Way from a fund he administered on behalf of Mid Devon District Council is of particularly great assistance, as such capital projects are difficult to fund from within the normal operating precepts of the charity.

"Cllr Way has been a frequent visitor to Age Concern Crediton and his keen interest is much appreciated."