Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council extends deadline of councillor grant scheme

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s project to provide community groups with funds is due to close on February 28 and there is still money left in the pot, writes Fiona Paus.

The scheme, which launched last summer, allows each of the ward councillors in Basingstoke and Deane to award up to £2,000 to local not-for-profit organisations. This includes voluntary groups, charities and schools.

Projects that have benefitted from grants include a defibrillator at Burghclere Sports Club, materials for a community garden at a Tadley church and visitor information lecterns in East Woodhay.

Cabinet member for partnerships Jenny Vaux said: “The deadline for applications is fast approaching and we want to make sure groups and their communities have the opportunity to benefit from this funding.”

The project has already been extended to enable more organisations to benefit but there is still money left in the pot.

Donations of between £250 and £1,000 will be granted for items that align with the priorities of the council.

This focus is on strengthening communities, protecting and enhancing their environment, improving safety and planning for the future.

For more information about the scheme and eligibility criteria, visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/cllr-community-grants

Ms Vaux added: “Our Councillor Community Grant Scheme is an important part of the council’s funding for voluntary and community groups.

“It is about giving our councillors who work at the heart of these communities the chance to support them with grant funding for projects and activities which will make a big difference to residents’ lives and foster thriving communities across the borough.”