The latest round of a Wigan Council funding scheme designed to boost the borough’s community sector is now open for applications.
The first phase of the Supporting Communities Fund has seen more than £50k distributed to 74 projects aimed at reducing loneliness and promoting community cohesion.
Bids of up to £2k can be made for voluntary, community, faith and social enterprises (VCFSE) organisations based in Wigan Borough.
The second funding round, which focuses on projects wishing to promote community cohesion, opens on Monday, 9 September and remains open until 11.59pm on Sunday, 20 October.
Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “We have a proud tradition here in the borough of providing funds to help our amazing community sector deliver projects that transform our residents’ lives.
“Our new Progress with Unity approach places our partnership work with our communities at the centre of everything we’re trying to achieve.
“We’re delighted that this second round of the fund is now open and we look forward to seeing the important projects come forward.”
The fund is an evolution of the Community Recovery Fund, which was launched in direct response to the Covid-19 pandemic when communities mobilised to support the borough.
Moira Jones, secretary and treasurer at Golborne in Bloom who were successful in the last round of funding, added: “The fund helped us to provide a relaxing outdoor reading and play area for Golborne’s community to enjoy.
“Using the Supporting Communities Fund, we were able to purchase and install a picnic bench with parasol, secure a storage box with children’s toys and picnic blankets, and the garden has been really well received by members of the public.”
