Community First: What’s it All About?

The East Marsh area of North East Lincolnshire is one of hundreds of areas across England in which the Community First Grant Funding Programme which is administered by Community Development Foundation was introduced in 2011 to support delivery of local projects by local community groups and organisations.

The programme is intended to promote a sense of community ownership supporting communities to help themselves and others, and will potentially provide approximately £100,000 in funding for suitable projects in the East Marsh.

Community Groups and Voluntary Organisations working in the East Marsh, which are not for profit or statutory agencies, are eligible to apply for grant funding of between £250 and £2500 for projects which address the local priorities.

The programme requires match funding in the form of volunteering, or other contributions for all grant funding applications.

Project proposals are considered initially by East Marsh Community First Panel which has broad representation of residents, faith groups, young people, business and voluntary organizations, and must address one or more of the five locally identified community priorities; providing positive activities for young people, improving the environment, improving health, improving residents economic well being and employment opportunities, and providing activities which reduce social isolation.

The panel considers whether projects meet the criteria set by the funding administrator, Community Development Foundation and whether they are appropriate for funding.

For further information about the programme in East Marsh visit us on facebook at Facebook.com/EastMarshCommunity First or on Twitter @EastMarsh_First