£100,000 in grants are available for local community activities across the East Riding.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is offering grants ranging from £1,500 to £5,000 for local groups, with applications opening on Monday, January 13, as part of the ‘Do it for East Yorkshire’ (DIFEY) community fund.
Voluntary and community groups, as well as town and parish councils, can apply for funding. These grants are specifically aimed at supporting community activities that improve health and wellbeing, increase access to local resources and reduce social isolation. Charities, youth groups, community sports groups, and churches providing communal activity are also eligible to apply for the grants.
Applications can be made around themes such as supporting cultural and heritage activities, community projects, infrastructure improvements to increase accessibility, and improvements that ‘design out crime’. A variety of activities can be funded, including events and festivals, lunch clubs, purchases of small equipment for project activity, and contributions towards energy costs for welcoming place activities.
One organisation that has benefited from the DIFEY community fund is Pocklington Arts Centre, which received almost £4,500 to hold a weekly singing group. The centre built upon the success of a previous Warm Space Community Café project, to bring the community together.
The project also worked with partner organisations to offer an inclusive dementia-friendly welcome. Since joining the singing group, residents like George and Elaine have been able to sing and meet new people.
This has improved their mental health and made them feel part of the community. They said: “Singing makes you feel really good! We hope this project continues in the future.”
The Singing for Fun project also allowed residents to volunteer, giving back to the community and helping others. By volunteering, Phil and Jenny have improved their wellbeing and sense of belonging in the local community. They said: “The best thing is looking at the reactions and joy on people’s faces and seeing them make friendship groups.”
Councillor Anne Handley, East Riding of Yorkshire Council leader said “We’re proud to support voluntary groups across the East Riding, and its fantastic to see their work in bringing communities together. I encourage interested groups to find out more about the Do it for East Yorkshire scheme and get involved if they are eligible.”
This fund is to help support new or additional activity rather than activity that already exists, and organisations that have been awarded a grant from March – December 2024 are not eligible for additional funding in this round. Organisations can find out more about the DIFEY fund and submit Expression of Interest forms at Do it for East Yorkshire.
Interested organisations are invited to attend online individual sessions, where they can have their questions answered and receive guidance about applications. These sessions will take place on Thursday, January 23, Wednesday, January 29, and Thursday, February 6. Bookings can be made by emailing localgrowth@eastriding.gov.uk with your preferred date, organisation name and location.