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Struggling community groups across Erewash are being urged to copy the organisers of a town’s music extravaganza – which was staged using a council grant to the tune of £1,500. Last month’s Glow festival on Ilkeston Market Place (Aug 20) went ahead after those behind it applied for a share of £30,000 available to boost charity efforts, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. The money is from central government as part of what is called the Shared Prosperity Fund. It has to be allocated to projects that benefit the borough’s residents – and Erewash council is urging more local heroes to cash in.
A streamlined process for applying has been launched by the council – with details on its website’s Fast Funding Community Grants page. Applicants can also email fastfunding@erewash.gov.uk The maximum amount up for grabs is £1,500 and there is no minimum. Paul Opiah, whose community newspaper Ilkeston Life was behind the day-long festival, used the grant to pay for the stage and lighting.
The fund is open to many kinds of community projects, with those that help tackle the cost-of-living crisis or that improve mental and physical health especially sought.
Council deputy leader Becca Everett, the Lead Member for Community Engagement, said:
“We recognise that local organisations support the work the council is doing and that they often rely on volunteers. These organisations are invaluable and deserve all the help they can get to flourish.”