£1.35 million fund opens up to Newcastle community projects

The Local Community Partnership grant scheme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the North of Tyne Combined Authority as the lead authority. Newcastle City Council will administer the scheme.

It aims to support projects that will bring communities closer together to build relationships, create more vibrant communities, provide opportunities for local residents and tackle local issues.

Cllr Alex Hay, Newcastle City Council cabinet member for a Thriving City, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for community projects in the north and west of the city to get funding that will bring people together and tackle some of the biggest issues that residents face.

“Whether it’s providing safe spaces for people to meet, tackling isolation among older residents, repairing or improving community buildings or reducing anti-social behaviour, we want to hear residents’ ideas for improving their communities.

“We’re committed to providing inclusive, healthy and vibrant neighbourhoods where everyone can thrive, and I look forward to seeing the difference this funding will make.”

Funding awards will be determined by a newly-created steering group made up of 20 volunteers from local community groups, residents and other organisations supporting communities in the target areas. Alexandra Johnson, steering group chair, said: “We’d like to encourage local organisations from the target areas to submit their expressions of interest as soon as they can. We are especially interested in activities that will encourage people to volunteer in their local communities. Whether you’d like to continue or expand what your organisation is already doing, reach out to new people or try out something completely new, please get in touch.”

The fund is broken down into £950,000 for revenue projects which involve an element of volunteering, and £400,000 for capital projects that create improved spaces for local communities to come together and take part in activities. It is open to projects in Blakelaw, Brunswick Village Cowgate, Fawdon, part of Fenham, Havannah Park, Kenton, Lemington, Newbiggin Hall, Newburn Riverside, Oakwood Grange, Slatyford, Throckley and West Denton.

Applications can be submitted by voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises (VCSE) operating in the target areas, supporting people who live there, or supporting  VCSE organisations serving those communities.

Expressions of Interest can be submitted via the scheme’s website at https://newcastlecomm.commonplace.is/ where you can also find more details about eligible areas and activities and use an interactive map to have your say about what’s needed.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. Find out more here.