From October 2022, voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations can apply for a grant from the Supporting the Voluntary and Community Sector Fund. Successful applicants will work alongside the council as ‘strategic partners’. Following an application process, grant funding will begin from April 2023.
The Supporting the Voluntary and Community Sector programme builds on the 2019-22 Strategic Partner Programme and aims to bring together wider funding opportunities to ensure that support is available for all Merton residents. It aims to:
- invest in and support Merton’s local voluntary and community infrastructure.
- nurture a strong sense of community and reduce inequalities
- bring together preventative services that provide information, advice and support in the community to strengthen Merton resident’s physical, social, emotional, and economic resilience
Themes
The programme is divided into four themes which align with Merton Council’s new ‘Working Better With Communities’ Framework. They are specifically focused around areas where people may find help and support in Merton and organisations are able to apply for funding against one or more themes.
Services that provide help
The services that provide emergency assistance to people in crisis and direct help to adults in need.
Who can apply:
- Emergency assistance – open to VCS organisations supporting customers of all ages
- Direct help to support adults in need – open to VCS organisations supporting adults 18+ only
Services that grow strengths and capabilities
The services that provide good quality information, support and non-accredited advice, accredited advice and casework and specialist and/or legal representation where necessary.
Who can apply:
- Open to VCS organisations, although some of the available funding is available for services supporting adults 18+ only.
Active, supportive communities
The services that co-design support and solutions with people and communities to help grow their relationships and connections and increase their level of activity. This will include low level preventative activities and Healthwatch Merton.
Who can apply:
- Preventative activities – open to VCS organisations supporting adults 18+ only
- Healthwatch Merton – open to VCS organisations supporting customers of all ages
An enabling system and place
The services that help to support an enabling system and place. This will include voluntary and community sector infrastructure support and the provision of small grants.
Who can apply:
- Voluntary and community sector infrastructure support – open to VCS organisations supporting customers of all ages
Timeline
- Supporting the Voluntary and Community Sector Fund opens to bids 3 October 2022
- Deadline for funding bids 5pm on 11 November 2022
- Notification of funding decision by 30 December 2022
- Funding commences for successful applicants on 1 April 2023
Download the Prospectus, find out How to Apply and what Additional Support is Available
Please visit the following page on the Merton Council website for further information, to download the prospectus, application form and to find out what additional support is available.
Civic Pride Funds : Supporting the Voluntary and Community Sector | Merton Council
