Mayor launches £3m fund to strengthen communities

The Mayor of the East Midlands has launched a new fund which aims to strengthen communities across the region, including two in Derby.

Community groups in 10 priority areas across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are being urged to bid for a slice of almost £3 million from the Mayor’s Community Development Fund to tackle deprivation and improve lives.

The fund, which will run over the next three years, is aimed at boosting community resilience, increasing local skills and enabling people to take control of shaping their own neighbourhoods.

The 10 priority areas across the East Midlands chosen to benefit include Arboretum and Normanton, in Derby.

Launching the fund at Gamesley Community Centre, Glossop, Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, who is the figurehead of the East Midlands Combined County Authority, said:  “This fund is about empowering people – giving communities the confidence, tools and support they need to take control of their future.

“We’re not here to impose solutions from the top down. We’re investing in the assets, strength and creativity that already exists in our communities, helping them to build resilience, grow and thrive.”

“People who came to our summer engagement events told me they wanted to be part of uncapping the potential of the East Midlands.

“It is my hope that the Mayor’s Community Development Fund will ensure that opportunity is extended everywhere.”

Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE said: “Mayors know what their region needs most, and this new initiative from Mayor Claire is another great example of how devolution is putting communities across the East Midlands back in control of their futures.

“There is so much potential in this funding, from tackling deprivation to bringing local people together, and they will help everyone in the East Midlands unlock their full potential and benefit from the decade of national renewal we promised in our Plan for Change.”

EMCCA is now taking registrations of interest from community groups from the priority areas who may be eligible for funding.

It is only open to organisations based in or working to support one of the 10 priority areas

EMCCA is looking for organisations and community groups to work together to submit one application per area.

Eligible applicants include voluntary and community interest companies (CIC), and faith groups.

There will also be opportunities for new or emerging groups in each area to get support through an additional £8,000 small grants fund.

To be successful, projects must also be community led, with residents actively involved in planning and delivery.

For more details and to register visit https://www.eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk/mayors-community-development-fund/.

Submissions close on 14 November.