Does your club need any money?

Funding is available now!

The Local Network Fund – a Department for Education and Skills fund administered by the Hertfordshire Community Foundation enables local voluntary groups (including sports clubs) to develop projects and activities for "young people who have limited opportunities or access to services" (a definition that particularly and unequivically includes girls' sports teams). The aim is to improve outcomes for children and young people enabling them to thrive and reach their full potential.

Grants can be made to locally managed voluntary and community groups working with young people aged under 19 years (up to 25 for those with learning disabilities).

Applications are invited under the following themes:

• Being healthy Activities that promote a healthy lifestyle so that children and young people are able to enjoy good health, including - Sports sessions - Healthy eating classes - Peer support programmes on drug misuse
• Staying safe Activities that contribute to children and young people being protected from harm and neglect and growing up able to look after themselves, for instance: - Anti bullying projects - Safe cycling groups - After-school clubs - Child Contact Centres
• Enjoying and achieving Activities that help children and young people maximise their potential and develop skills for adulthood, for example: - Theatre arts groups - Self advocacy skills programmes - Cultural dance and music projects
• Making a positive contribution Activities which enable children and young people use their skills and abilities in ways to enhance their own lives and the lives of their community, for example: - Conservation schemes - Recycling programmes - Mentoring projects
• Achieving economic well-being Activities which help children and young people overcome income barriers and achieve their full potential in life, such as: - Preparation for work and training - Financial literacy classes for young people

... and with a bit of thought most clubs could reasonably make a bid under several of these headings.

There are some limitations on who and what can’t be funded, but these shoudl not cause a problem in most cases:

• Individuals
• Statutory organisations (such as schools)
• Trips abroad
• Activities helping only one child or family
• Groups based outside Hertfordshire
• Groups with a turnover of more than £100,000
• Projects for personal profit
• Groups where the primary purpose is to promote political or religious beliefs.
• Organisations that already hold a Local Network Fund grant (for the current financial year)
• Grant making bodies.

Grants range from £250 to £7,000. They can be awarded for projects that last up to one year. The fund will close in March 2008 at which time all projects must be completed.

To ask for an Application pack call the LNF National call centre on 0845 1130 161.

These packs include further guidance for applicants and the contact number for your local Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) representative who can provide advice and help with completing your application form.

There is more information on the fund on the LNF website: www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/localnetworkfund.

For additional information please contact Helen Doubal, Local Network Fund Officer