Need funding for your community project? Come to the Fair

(Date of issue: Monday, 4 January 2010)

Time is running out for organisations wanting to attend this month’s annual Carlisle Funding Fair.

Local organisations seeking funding for all types of community projects, throughout urban and rural areas, are being urged to register for the last remaining spaces by Thursday,14 January.

The annual Carlisle Funding Fair which matches local voluntary and community groups with grant givers is taking place on Thursday, 28 January at Carlisle Racecourse. Every year, local groups benefit from thousands of pounds worth of grants from contacts made at the Fair and free spaces are still available for this year’s event. More than 20 local, regional and national (including Lottery) funders will be attending the day-long event which also includes a range of training sessions.

Carlisle City Councillor Olwyn Luckley, Portfolio holder for Health & Community Development, said:

“The Funding Fair provides the best opportunity of the year to obtain funding for voluntary and community projects. On average each fair generates around £1million of grant funding from contacts made on the day, which goes directly to local groups involved in a wide variety of activities including art, sport, play, youth, advice and community buildings. We look forward to welcoming all urban and rural based groups, particularly those that have not attended before.”

Mark Costello, Cumbria Council for Voluntary Service, said:

“We are delighted to be working with our partners and hosting this event once more. We firmly believe that the Funding Fair provides an invaluable opportunity for groups to have face to face conversations with funders and to gain from the experience of fellow participants.”

The free event is a partnership between Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council and Cumbria CVS. The event will take place between 9.15am and 3pm on Thursday, 28 January at Carlisle Racecourse, Durdar Road, Carlisle. Booking is essential, please contact Cumbria CVS on Carlisle 512513 or email markc@cumbriacvs.org.uk    for further information.