�17,500 up for grabs for North Norfolk community groups

Community and voluntary groups in the north of Norfolk are being invited to bid for a share of a �17,500 cash pot,

The money is being made available in the latest round of grants by the Victory Housing Community Fund.

The original deadline for bids has been extended by two weeks to Friday, April 1, to give groups more time to write their submissions. Bidding is open to any community organisation in north Norfolk.

Charities, voluntary groups and community organisations can apply for grants of up to �5,000 which can be used for a wide range of uses, such as capital costs, venue hire, equipment, start-up expenses and training, for example.

The �17,500 will be allocated by a panel made up of Victory Housing Trust residents, as well as staff from Norfolk Community Foundation, which administers the Fund on behalf of Victory, in April.

Applications for grants can be made by any organisation or group established for charitable purposes, provided there is a formal structure which allows for monitoring of activity and feedback – official charitable status is not necessary.

Victory Housing Trust chief executive John Archibald, said: 'We very much hope that potential recipients will come forward and apply – the process is quite straightforward and user-friendly, and is designed for organisations operating at community level.'

Horning Parish Council received �4,500 from the fund in October 2010 to kick-start their project to build a new community play area in the village.

The money, combined with some forthcoming cash from a developer as part of a Section 106 agreement, means that plans are now well underway to design the new playground.

Full details of how to apply for grants from the Victory Housing Community Fund can be found at www.norfolkfoundation.com/how-to-apply-for-a-grant.htm.