Organisations are being invited to apply to deliver the £70m
Communitybuilders programme on behalf of the Government.
The Communities and Local
Government department announced the Communitybuilders fund in its white
paper Communities in Control in July.
The fund will provide a combination of grants and loans to voluntary
organisations for projects that stimulate involvement in democracy and local decision-making.
Examples of this could include improving governance, strengthening financial
systems, fostering partnerships and coaching and mentoring.
"The purpose of this programme is to support the department's commitment
to building more cohesive, empowered and active communities," said a
Communities and Local Government spokeswoman.
The Communities and Local Government department and the Office of the Third
Sector yesterday opened a competitive procurement process and are seeking
expressions of interest to become the national delivery partner. Interested
parties have until 30 October to apply.
A spokeswoman for CLG said the fund would probably be open for applications by
spring. She said it was still not known how the £70m would be divided between
grants and contracts.
