North East Mayor Kim McGuinness launches a new £1million fund to support grassroots community projects delivered by charities and community organisations.
The first round of funding worth £225,000 will deliver grants which support community cohesion, recognising the social pressures felt in every corner of the region.
The Mayor’s Opportunity Fund is now open for applications
Kim McGuinness opened the Mayor’s Opportunity Fund in a speech to the annual conference of Voluntary Organisations Network North East (pictured above), a support body bringing together hundreds of charities, voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises.
The aim is to create opportunities to ensure the North East is a cohesive, inclusive and resilient region where everyone thrives and has the opportunity to contribute to the region’s success.
“The Mayor’s Opportunity Fund is exactly the kind of initiative we need more of here in the North East. Not only will it support organisations tackling poverty today, but it has an eye on the future - creating opportunities for people and places, so that anyone facing hardship in our region can look forward to a brighter tomorrow.
We’re delighted to work with Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland to ensure this fund makes a lasting difference to the people who need it the most.”
Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland and Point North are partnering with the North East Combined Authority (North East CA) to run the first round of the Mayor’s Opportunity Fund.
What does the Mayor's Opportunity Fund support?
The Fund is designed to support a wide range of new or existing projects that promote community cohesion, inclusion, and resilience.
This could include activities that encourage greater participation in local communities, initiatives bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, efforts to address prejudice, discrimination, or conflict, support for community anchor organisations in areas with limited social infrastructure, as well as community celebrations and cultural events.
“As Mayor I’m determined to rebuild our communities, and one part of this is to back those charities who bring people together, tackle poverty and create opportunity for others.
We will invest £1m over the next two years in projects that will make a difference in local streets, villages and towns all over the North East. And this is just a start, because we are also working to bring in more funding so the sector can thrive, and continue to offer support, hope and optimism to people all over the region.”
How to apply for the Mayor's Opportunity Fund?
Apply by visiting the Grants page on the Point North website.
Firstly, read the guidelines thoroughly to check if your organisation is eligible.
You can then apply online and we’ll have a decision for you within 6 weeks of the closing date.
Need help?
If you have any questions or need help completing your application, our team are here for you. Get in touch with us on email or phone.
0191 378 6340
