Bolton CVS Announces Reductions to Small Grants

For many years Bolton CVS has acted as a Grants Administrator on behalf of a range of statutory bodies including Bolton Council and NHS Bolton. Between 2000 and 2010 Bolton CVS has successfully administered 2025 grants with a total value of £3.4 million.

As part of the new government’s drive to address the overall financial situation in this country, reductions have been made in the amount of Area Based Grant given to Bolton Council. On 26th July, the Executive of Bolton Council took the decision on a range of proposals to reduce expenditure this for this year.

Reduction of Vision Grants Pot

One of the proposals agreed at this meeting was a cut of £32,000 to the Vision Grants pot which provides small grants up to £3,000 for voluntary and community groups within Bolton.

Reduction of Cleaner Greener Grants Pot

A second proposal agreed was for a cut of £57,000 to the Cleaner Greener Grants pot which provides grants of £5,000 for groups working on environmental projects within Bolton.

Karen Minnitt, Chief Executive of Bolton CVS, said:

‘The sad news is that this reduction of £89,000 in small grants will affect the smallest voluntary and community groups within Bolton who work tirelessly to provide a huge range of services to local residents and to enhance the quality of life within Bolton. We regret to inform all groups that we cannot accept any more applications for Vision Grants with immediate effect.’

‘The better news is that funds for other small grants do still exist. Also the post of Development Worker linked to the Cleaner Greener Grants will continue so we will be able to keep supporting groups working on environmental projects and help them to access funds from elsewhere’.

Launch of Brand New 2010 Little Book of Funding

Helen Tomlinson, Groups Co-ordinator, said:

‘In order to help groups at this difficult time we have launched a brand new 2010 edition of the Little Book of Funding. This comprehensive booklet contains details of over 40 sources of funding available to local groups and it can be downloaded from the Bolton CVS website: www.boltoncvs.org.uk. Please note that we cannot afford to print many of these booklets but we will ensure that groups without computers can access this vital information.’

Grants Still Available via Bolton CVS

Mark Grundy, Grants Coordinator, said:

‘We also wish to reassure groups that we still have a good range of small grants available via Bolton CVS including:
Health for Bolton Grants – up to £750
Grassroots Grants – up to £5,000
Neighbourhood Grants – up to £750
Cleaner Greener Grants – up to £2,000
Breaks for Carers Grants – up to £800'

For further information about these grants please visit www.boltoncvs.org.uk/big-bolton-fund-grants or ring Bolton CVS Funding and Development Team on 01204 546010.