New grant priorities launched at Carlisle event

(Date of issue: Friday, 8 January 2010)

This month’s Carlisle Funding Fair will act as the launch of new regional grant priorities for one of the North’s leading independant charitable funders.

The Northern Rock Foundation will use the event at Carlisle Racecourse on Thursday, 28 January, to launch new funding priorities aimed specifically at tackling homelessness and communities that are experiencing financial exclusion.

The trustees of the Northern Rock Foundation recently agreed to a changed focus in their grant giving, in response to changing regional circumstances, including the impact of the recession. In addition to the new priorities they will also provide an update on their current schemes.

Attendees will get to hear more about the work of the Foundation in 2010 and have an opportunity to meet staff and discuss potential applications.

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 next Thursday (14 January).

The annual Carlisle Funding Fair matches local voluntary and community groups with grant givers. 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.

If you would like further information on this event, please call Alison Phillips at Cumbria CVS on 01768 800350 or email: alisonp@cumbriacvs.org.uk 

To book, call 01228 512513 or email: jackiebo@cumbriacvs.org.uk 

Limited spaces are available so please book early to avoid disappointment.