Local groups, organisations and charities are being invited to apply for cash to support their community projects as part of Bicester Town Council’s annual grants scheme.
This year grant applications will be considered in two phases – the first will be for projects that can go ahead during COVID-19 restrictions.
A second phase, to support other activities that can go ahead after restrictions have been lifted, will open later this year.
Organisations can apply for funding up to £500, and in some cases £1,000.
Grants are available for projects from constituted community, voluntary and charitable groups who provide a service which benefits Bicester residents.
The deadline for applications for the first phase is Friday, March 12, with decisions made by the end of April.
Last year’s grant aid scheme was supplemented with a £20,000 emergency grant fund to help local people impacted by Covid-19.
Among those who benefited from the 2020/21 grant fund were 1st Bicester Intrepid Scout Group, which received £750 to renew the tarmac path and driveway at its Ashdene Road headquarters, and Bubbles preschool, which received £500 to upgrade its IT equipment for online learning and improve its administration.
Council leader Cllr Richard Mould said: “We recognise how difficult the past year has been for our many volunteer groups and charities, many of whom have been left with a financial holes because fund raising activities could not go ahead.
“We hope our grant aid scheme can go some way to help support these groups and I would urge any groups or charities that needs help now to apply for this funding.
“Over the years Bicester Town Council’s Grant Aid scheme has helped fund a wide range of projects from setting up the Baby Bank and Junior Park Run to regularly supporting the foodbank, and councillors are very keen to ensure this important work continues.”
To find out more about the Grant Aid Scheme or submit an application https://www.bicester.gov.uk/services/grants-and-awards/
