From evidence published in the State of the Sector Report, we know that 77% of VCFSE organisations in Rochdale borough are micro-organisations, receiving an annual income of less than £10,000. These voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises are making a significant difference in Rochdale, creating positive social change. Embedded across neighbourhoods in Rochdale, they are carrying out invaluable work tackling inequality, reducing hardship and enriching people’s lives and we are acutely aware of how crucial access to funding is for them.
With this in mind, we are launching our new Seed Fund, with easy access grants of up to £500.
As part of the Rochdale Communities Fund, our 'Seed Fund' is aimed at Rochdale based micro-organisations and community groups who are unconstituted. Informal groups, of at least three people, actively engaging with an Action Together Community Development Worker, working towards constitution, and who have not already received a Seed Fund will be able to apply for this funding.
Does this description fit your group? Would access to £500 help get your project off the ground? Or maybe you know or work alongside a group that this fund would be perfect for? If so, take a look at the steps below to apply and get in touch with us at: development@actiontogether.org.uk or call us on 0161 339 2345.
The Rochdale Communities Fund is a mutual fund to invest in and strengthen Rochdale Borough’s VCFSE sector. It funds groups and projects which directly benefit local people and communities, delivered by VCFSE organisations with roots in the borough. The Fund can support groups to try out a new project or sustain one that already exists. We provide our members with development support, training and other infrastructure alongside grant funding.
How to apply
Contact our Development Team to start the conversation about applying for our Seed Fund: development@actiontogether.org.uk or call us on 0161 339 2345.
If your group is based in Rochdale or Pennines, please contact Julie Durrant: Julie.Durrant@actiontogether.org.uk
If your group is based in Heywood or Middleton, please contact Fi Oakes: Fi.Oakes@actiontogether.org.uk
Following discussions with one of our Action Together Community Development Workers in Rochdale, they will record the outcome of your conversation with them on a simple form, which will then be submitted to our Operations Manager for approval. Seed Fund grant decisions (under £500) will be made internally by Action Together.
During your application conversation, our Community Development Worker will follow a simple checklist to establish your group is:
- Compliant – In the process of setting up a constituted group or prepared to do this
- Competent – Through meeting with your Community Development Worker we are confident that you are a genuine community group and capable of managing the funds
- Comprehensive - You can show the need for the project in your community and have a plan for how you will use the funding
Find out more here: www.actiontogether.org.uk/rochdale-communities-fund-seed-fund