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Welcome to the Summer Edition of Spare Change.

UK Villages Community Kitty (UK)

UK Villages Community Kitty provides grants of between £50-500 to support a wide range of community-based projects. In the past, these have included a knitting circle, an infants' playgroup, sports equipment for cub scouts, support for village halls and playing field committees - as well as a number of Heritage projects.

Don't worry if your project isn't in a village. The grants are for community projects in urban and suburban areas as well.

The next closing date for applications is the 10th October 2005. See for more details.

The People's Millions

The Big Lottery Fund has teamed up with ITV to give out Lottery funding to projects that will benefit local communities. The People's Millions will give viewers the chance to vote by phone, text and online to decide which local groups receive Lottery grants up to £50,000. For more information see

Now, they are looking to recruit members of the public in every ITV region to join their People's Millions Committees. For instance, there will be three committees in the South East that will meet in August to consider which applications to put forward for the public vote in October. For more information and to apply click on the link called 'volunteer for People's Millions' on the National Lottery's Website:

DEFRA Announces New Parish Plans Grant Scheme
Who is it for?

The scheme applies to England only. The funds are primarily intended to support the development of a Parish Plan by those Parishes that do not currently have one. In most cases a Parish Council will apply for the funds, and a Parish Plan Steering Group (involving a wider range of local people) will be set up to produce the Parish Plan.

When can people apply?

The Rural Community Councils may set deadlines that enable them to approve applications before 31 March 2006. Funds are limited, so it is recommended that you apply early.

How much money is available?

Defra has made available a total of £1 million to support the development of Parish Plans this year. Defra has not specified the maximum grant available per application - this decision will be taken by Rural Community Councils who deliver the scheme. Previous Parish Plan grant offers could be up to £5,000, which could cover a maximum of 75% of the total cost of producing the Parish Plan.

Community Champions

This grant scheme will be managed by Vale Royal CVS over the next 6 months (having previously been managed by Crewe & Nantwich CVS).

Grants can support small scale community inspired projects across Cheshire and Warrington.

The fund is flexible & can be used to help with training, help establish a new group, organise local workshops – there are plenty of possibilities.

If you have an idea and would like to apply to the Community Champions scheme OR maybe you want to check out what can be funded contact David Hennessey on 01606 723180 or email on

Broadband Connections

Grants are available to assist charities to connect to broadband.

The broadbandCONNECT project aims to provide comprehensive broadband coverage in Cheshire and Warrington over the next 2 years. As part of the project under the Broadband Connect Community Chest there is provision for a number of businesses & community groups to receive a broadband grant for a year. For further details look on the website:

The Edge Employer Awards …..

…. are giving a massive £460,000 to organisations that provide great learning opportunities for young people (14-25 years), including, work experience, apprenticeships, giving learning opportunities to young people in the community - any opportunities that allows young people to build skills through doing.

New practical learning charity, Edge, has launched the first year of the
Edge Employer Awards which will recognise and reward organisations across
England of any size and from any sector that provide excellent practical
learning for young people. Edge has offered a total prize fund of £460,000
for organisations to reinvest in practical learning.

An online entry form can be completed electronically on the website

Funding for the Voluntary & Community Sector 2005-06.

Chester City Council is supporting small VCS projects up to £3,000, Community Chest up to £500, these can be used to fund small scale heritage & cultural activities, sports clubs, events and training, community events and activities, small scale regeneration-work and small scale refurbishment / improvements of community facilities / rooms.

ICT up to £800 for those seeking to improve access to ICT, enhance their systems to improve service delivery.

Play scheme activity during the summer breaks up to £1,000.
The closing date 16 September 2005. Application forms are now available on the website: www.chester.gov.uk or by telephoning Debra Brown 01244 402196

Crewe and Nantwich Community & Voluntary Sector Forum

“GRANTS FOR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING”

Small Grants Fund 2005 – 2006 (up to £500)

The Criteria: Crewe & Nantwich Borough’s Community Strategy aims to improve the health and well-being of our communities. It will help your application if you show how the grant will be used to improve the health and well-being of local people.

Improving health is about increasing the quality of people’s lives to promote healthier and longer lives. This includes encouraging people to eat a healthy diet, taking part in social activities and being more physically active. Examples of previous grants include:

  • Funding a craft skills programme for a residents association. This helped improve self-esteem through learning a new skill and improved social inclusion for elderly members.
  • Contributing to the transport costs of a retired persons group. This enabled elderly members without transport to participate in activities, ensuring no member was excluded and lonely.

Applications from organisations which have not previously received funding may be looked upon more favourably. Help and advice with completing your application form is available at the CVS. Please do not hesitate to contact the CVS if you have any worries or queries about the application process. Application forms are available from

Crewe & Nantwich Council for Voluntary Service

Ashton House

1A Gatefield Street

Crewe

CW1 2JP

Tel: 01270 211545

Email: