Voluntary and community groups are invited to bid for up to £7.5k in the first round of the councils grant funding for 2021, including a separate ‘Mental Health’ pot.

Due to Covid-19 and after consulting with VCS groups last year, the Main Grants pot has been split into two rounds. The first round for 2021 is now open for bids until 4pm, Friday 26th February.

Anyone interested in applying can bid for funding from £500 up to £7.5K, to help with core costs and salaries or to support them to deliver great community events, projects and activities.

A total of £40k is available to bid for, with £5K specifically ring-fenced to create a separate 'Mental Health' funding pot. From this pot, VCS groups can bid for between £500 and £5,000 to help them deliver specific projects to support those Redditch residents who have suffered from or have worsened mental health and well-being issues as a direct result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Leader of Redditch Borough Council, Cllr Matt Dormer, said: “As a council we are committed to supporting voluntary community sector organisations to deliver projects and activities that have a positive and beneficial impact on Redditch and its residents. I am particularly proud that some of this money has been ring-fenced to help support mental health groups and projects. Many of us have found the pandemic difficult and it will unfortunately have lasting effects. This sort of support for mental health related projects is relied upon now, more than ever.”

There is set criteria in place that anyone wishing to apply must meet. Each proposed project must be something that is needed in the area, well planned, outcome focussed and aligned to the Councils Strategic Purposes.

For further details about the programme and how to apply, please visit our grants page