Purpose

The
purpose of this decision is to ensure flexible, small grants reach
communities to help set up Community Growing projects. A report
containing full details of the grant was submitted to the Grants
Advisory Committee for their meeting of 25 April 2024.

Content

To
create a flexible, small grants fund totalling £5,000 to the
end of the 2024/25 financial year. The scheme
will be funded using money assigned by Cabinet from SCDC reserves
on 23 March 2023 to support cost of living projects. This will
cover the full costs.  Applications
will be assessed by officers within two weeks to ensure a quick
turnaround.  Criteria, guidance, and an application form has been created.
The fund will result in small (up to £500) grants to Parish
Councils, constituted community groups, schools, and informal
groups (the latter where there is written support for the project
from the Parish Council or the District Ward member).