Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has made £118,910 in grants available to community projects in the region.

In the first round of the Strengthening Communities grants, administered by Basingstoke Voluntary Action, funding has been awarded to 15 organisations.

The scheme enables organisations, including community and voluntary groups, schools and parish and town councils, to apply for grants to support them to become more resilient and drive innovation to better meet community needs.

READ MORE: Oakley Community Association to start an after-school youth cafe

Cabinet member for partnerships Cllr Jenny Vaux said: “I’m really pleased to see such diverse uses for the funding which will make a big difference to residents’ lives across our area.

“We value the contribution of the borough’s voluntary sector and we are committed to supporting local organisations.”

A wide range of organisations and projects have received the funding. Basingstoke & District Disability Forum are launching a Community Advocate programme; a specialised sports lawnmower for the Oakley Bowling Club will keep their green competition-ready; and resources for the Westside Community Association will help improve access to local services and skills development in the local community.

Basingstoke Voluntary Action’s community development manager Mary Robinson said: “These grants awards show the resilience and innovation of the voluntary community across Basingstoke and Deane.

"We’re looking forward to administering the next round of grant applications, supporting the sustainability of local voluntary organisations.”

A full list of the grants awarded is available at basingstoke.gov.uk/funding 

The second round of Strengthening Communities funding is open for applications until September 11. Organisations can apply for funding by visiting bvaction.org.uk/scgs