FUNDING is still available to voluntary and community groups in the East Riding to encourage communities to come back together following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Do it for East Yorkshire (DIFEY) Community grant is intended to enable Town and Parish Councils, Voluntary and Community Sector organisations and others to hold events and festivals, organise COVID recovery community activities and extend access to services. The intention is to encourage residents back into the community, to use arts, cultural and community facilities.
Town Councils, Parish Councils and voluntary or community sector organisations and others can apply for funding between £500 and £5,000 for activities that:
- bring people back into your community
- one-off events and festivals
- improves access to services
- re-start community activities, such as lunch clubs
- focuses on encouraging people who have been shielding to engage in community activities.
The first phase of funding saw £299,982 committed for community-led projects and events since July 2021. There is just under £145,000 still to be granted.
Previous success stories from the DIFEY funding include the Hornsea Biker event – £1,499.77. This aimed to bring the whole community together. The event had trade and information stalls and two live stages. Money was raised throughout the day for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and two local smaller charities.
Welwick Village Hall – £5,000.00 was deployed to encourage local residents to use the village hall and car park for social and recreational activities following the pandemic. Funding was used on an outdoor BBQ, a bingo machine and the implementation of child-friendly outdoor facilities.
The recent Head into Hedon programme for Heritage Open Days also received funding (£700) from DIFEY.
“The Do it for East Yorkshire Community Grant has made a real difference in supporting East Riding communities in coming back together after the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding provides an excellent opportunity for local groups, or Town and Parish Councils to coordinate local events, to engage with local residents or for local groups to simply start up again.”
COUNCILLOR Jane Evison, portfolio holder for economic development and tourism at the council
Do it for East Yorkshire funding is available to apply for until 1 November 2022, or until the £145,000 is fully committed. The activity must be completed by 31 January 2023 and claims must be completed by 28 February 2023.
For more information and guidance on the scheme, please visit www.doitforeastyorkshire.co.uk or contact the Local Growth Team via localgrowth@eastriding.gov.uk to discuss eligibility.