COMMUNITY and voluntary organisations and groups in Basingstoke and Deane can apply for funding to deliver projects to improve the quality of life and environment for residents.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has opened the latest round of funding as part of the Basingstoke and Deane Pride in Place Fund, which launched in October 2023.

Money is available for activities to help residents to learn and share new skills, get involved in arts and cultural activities, improve physical and mental wellbeing and projects to enhance green and natural spaces and biodiversity and promote community togetherness.

Two types of funding are available - one is revenue funding to support activities, events and initiatives, and the other is capital funding, for schemes to enhance the heritage of the borough, support energy efficiency and accessibility improvements and enhance green open spaces and biodiversity.

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There is up to £110,000 available to support projects in this round. Eighteen projects were awarded funding in the first round and will provide improvements to community facilities, energy efficiency upgrades and community events across the borough.

Organisations delivering activities or managing facilities in the borough can apply for up to £15,000 of capital or revenue funding only, or can apply for both capital and revenue funding.

However, the funding cannot be used to cover the standard operating costs of an organisation.

Cabinet member for communities, partnerships and inclusion, Cllr John McKay said: “Supporting the community and voluntary organisations which play such an important role in our borough will help them to deliver the services and activities that our residents will value.

“The Pride in Place Fund supports new and innovative projects that will improve the quality of life and enhance the living environment in Basingstoke and Deane.

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“We are looking forward to the results of the first round of funding from 2023/24 to see how organisations are helping residents to feel proud of their borough. I encourage more groups to come forward to talk to the team to discuss their ideas as part of this next round of applications."

Organisations and groups are encouraged to contact the council at ukspf@basingstoke.gov.uk to discuss their project ideas before applying. The deadline for applications is Sunday, February 25.

Information webinars will be held to provide more details on the fund to organisations interested in applying on Wednesday, January 24 from 12pm to 1.30pm and on Tuesday, February 6 from 6pm to 7.30pm.

To register for a webinar, prospective applicants should email ukspf@basingstoke.gov.uk.

More information about the Basingstoke and Deane Pride in Place Fund is available at basingstoke.gov.uk/pride-in-place-fund.