Community grants boost tots and OAPs

Toddlers and pensioners are among Erewash residents who have benefitted from a council mission to inject tens of thousands of pounds into the community with a minimum of faff, a new report reveals.

The boost has come in the form of “fast funding” grants to volunteer groups, charities and other non-profit organisations over the past year. A total of £36,611 has been handed out since the scheme’s 2023 launch.

Two-year-olds in Sandiacre have been buoyed by Westfield Preschool securing £1,354 towards new development and educational equipment. Borrowash Youth FC got £1,470 towards coaching and devoloping its under-fives training sessions. Local Scouts won funding to introduce a new section for four to five-year-olds. At the other end of the age scale the Wednesday Club for older people in Stanley Common got almost £1,250 towards minibus costs and venue hire.

Tai Chi for Arthritis – which is part of a Long Eaton-based project called Small Steps to Health – successfully applied for £1,500. In Cotmanhay a community café was awarded £1,499 – while Ilkeston Community Pantry’s Access for All project was given money for a commercial fridge and freezer. Other sports that have benefitted alongside youth football include cricket, boxing and running clubs across the borough.

The borough council secured money for the Fast Funding community grants from what the previous government called the Shared Prosperity Fund – so it does not come from council tax. Just three out of 30 applications received by the authority were refused, according to an update on the scheme that was presented to a meeting of Erewash’s Council Executive at Ilkeston Town Hall on Tuesday 9th July.

The report said: “Where applications have been unsuccessful, or did not meet the criteria, officers worked hard to redirect applicants to other possible funding sources and organisations.” The council has another £40,000 up for grabs over the coming year. The grants are worth up to £1,500 and applying is easy. Simply visit the Erewash Borough Council website here.  Subject to the availability of funding, grant applications can be submitted until 16th March 2025. 

Erewash Borough Council Deputy Leader Becca Everett, who is Lead Member for Community Engagement, said: “The kinds of organisations that can apply for Fast Funding are those that benefit the community – particularly in supporting the work the council is doing. Bids need to show they will increase engagement or volunteering. The council is especially keen to hear from groups tackling the cost of living crisis.”