Coalfields Regeneration Trust have spent the past 2 years meeting and consulting with their member organisations across the English Coalfield regions to better understand the needs in coalfield communities. They have also reviewed several thousand funding enquiries to look for common issues and to ensure our revised Coalfields Community Investment Programme (CCIP) accurately reflects the real needs in coalfield communities whilst remaining focused on improving skills, employment opportunities and health & wellbeing.
 
Whilst they appreciate a funding pot of £500,000 can only go so far, the changes they have made to the Coalfields Community Investment Programme are responsive to the needs of organisations delivering services/activities that improve the lives of people living in coalfield communities.
 
The fundamental changes to the programme are as follows:
 
•    The Health theme has been expanded to include Wellbeing and will encompass projects that address food poverty, debt advice, mental health issues, substance misuse, social isolation or projects increasing participation in physical activity.
•   Eligibility: Previously funded organisations who mismanaged funds or did not submit monitoring by the agreed deadline will not be able to apply for funding for a further two years
•    Costs: New budget headings:
–     Project Support Costs: ingredients for healthy eating/social isolation projects, food for food poverty projects, transport to address barriers to participation     
–      Core Costs: Up to 50% of the total costs requested from the Trust
-       Operational Costs: Insurance, rent, broadband, telephone, mobile phone contract, utilities, payroll fees, software licenses, vehicle and equipment hire costs, stationery and Disclosure & Barring Service checks 
-        Administration & Management: Staff costs that provide a core support role within an organisation
•   Outcomes: one outcome in addition to Number of Beneficiaries
•   Definitions: include children and more scope for claiming Skills Development
 
Their offer has now reopened and all the information on registering an enquiry relating to a project is on the following page: https://www.coalfields-regen.org.uk/funding
 
Please read all the information and the guidance notes carefully before deciding whether to complete the Eligibility Survey.

County Durham Housing group - Group Grants is a scheme that offers awards of up to £500 to support projects that make a real difference to people’s lives and wellbeing.

They are looking to support organisations that are working to improve access to services, reduce isolation, enhance employment prospects and encourage engagement within the community.

For more information visit: County Durham Housing Group