A new £255,000 procurement-led fund targeting charity and community group projects that aim to reduce poverty and promote healthy living has had a huge response, receiving 275 applications for funding. 62 projects were successful in their bids, receiving grants ranging from £299 up to £15,320.
The EN:Communities Community Foundation Fund (CFF) will deliver the grants with the funding pot generated through Efficiency North’s procurement services arm EN:Procure.
Charities and community groups operating within communities served by Efficiency North’s membership across Yorkshire and Humber, Lincolnshire and north Derbyshire were encouraged to apply for funding to invest in equipment and resources that will strengthen their services and support local communities.
One winning entry was Paces Sheffield, a specialist centre, charity and school for children and adults with cerebral palsy and motor disorders. Tom Lane, head of operations, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Community Foundation Fund for this support. The £3,972 funding will help us purchase and install an integrated overhead ceiling hoist in one of our specialist classrooms, creating a more accessible and inclusive learning environment for children with complex physical and medical needs.
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“The new ceiling hoist will improve pupils’ dignity and independence, create more space for learning and social interaction and help our staff provide the best possible support. As a charity, funding like this is invaluable in enabling us to invest in specialist equipment that has a lasting impact on the children and families who rely on our services.”
Another winning entry was submitted by Smart Works Leeds, which helps unemployed women to receive the coaching, clothing and confidence they need to secure jobs. Centre manager Emily Zadok said: “Receiving £2,348 from the Community Foundation Fund means a huge amount to us, particularly as we settle into our new centre, which is double the size of our previous location. This support will aid us to create a more welcoming, functional space by allowing us to invest in essential equipment, from technology that will help us expand our virtual services to practical items such as steamers, which will help us prepare donated workwear ready for our clients ahead of interviews and job starts.
“Every improvement helps us spend more time doing what matters most: providing women with the coaching, clothing and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace.”
Ken Taylor, chair of EN:Communities, said: “The fund has received an incredible response, with demand far exceeding the funding available. We are grateful for the level of interest from local organisations working hard to support their communities.
“It was a difficult task for the evaluation panel to whittle down the initial 275 applications received – which totalled £1.3m in requests. The response reveals the scale of demand for financing local groups and charities to tackle poverty and help people and families to live healthier lives through practical and supportive projects.
“It highlights the challenges our communities face and the determination of groups passionate about delivering lasting change for them. We’re proud to be supporting this work after a decade of seeing the difference that can be made when resources are available.”
All unsuccessful applicants have been sent a detailed feedback form to help them prepare stronger submissions in the future. Ken explained: “It has been a valuable learning opportunity for us and reinforces our commitment to supporting these groups and building stronger relationships.”
The fund was launched to mark the 10th anniversary of EN:Communities, which was established to help improve the quality of life and upward social mobility through entry level employment and training opportunities for social housing tenants and residents who have been hardest hit by the economic crisis.
Over the past decade, it has delivered significant impact across the region, awarding £1.4m in funding to small charities, supporting 127 community projects and helping almost 1,800 people into work.
