Community groups supporting local people with the cost of living are being encouraged to apply to Dover District Council’s Cost of Living Community Impact Fund.
The grant scheme, which launched yesterday (20 May), will provide £104,700 to registered charities, Community Interest Companies and local groups to help with their work in the district’s communities. Funds will be allocated over two rounds – winter and summer – during 2024/25, and groups can apply for a grant of between £100 and £2,500.
Applicants must highlight the impact the cost of living is having on their beneficiaries, and how their project will help bridge the cost of living gap, for the benefit of the local community.
The closing date for the first round is Monday, 1 July, 2024.
Cllr Charlotte Zosseder, DDC’s cabinet member for community, said:
“Local groups and charities carry out essential work in our communities to help those struggling with the cost of living. We are therefore delighted to help support vital local projects through the Community Impact Fund.
“We hope this funding will help groups continue their important work and we are encouraging as many as possible to apply.”
To apply go to www.dover.gov.uk/Community/Grants-Funding/Community-Grants-Scheme/Cost-of-Living-Community-Impact-Fund.aspx
How has the Community Impact Fund helped?
In the last round of funding, 59 applicants received a grant from the £86.7K available. The groups are using the funds on projects which support some of the most vulnerable in the community with the cost of living.
Here are examples of some who have benefitted from the funding:
Dover Swap Shop
Dover Swap Shop was awarded a grant of £1,440 in the last round of funding.
The shop allows families to bring in children’s items they no longer need such as clothes, toys and books and swap them with other items. This not only helps families in need but stops items going to landfill. The shop is also a warm space for people to meet and get support.
Future Skills CIC
Future Skills Community Interest Company received a grant of £1,696 in the last round of funding for its project ‘the Getaway Garden’.
