Bridging The Gap - Grant Awards Celebration

Representatives from 23 community and voluntary groups that have benefited from a total of £96,540 Bridging the Gap funding over the past year were invited to a special Grant Awards Celebration last Wednesday (26 March).

The Community Development team at Dover District Council organised the event for groups that have received Bridging the Gap grant funding. This is a Coalfield Regeneration Trust funding initiative administered in partnership with DDC working with the local community. Funding was provided for a wide variety of projects for the coalfields community, ranging from cultural and educational (music festivals, arts projects) to sports (football, rowing), from health and environment (counselling, support groups), to refurbishment (village halls, community churches, and social enterprises).

Applicants have received practical advice and assistance at every step of the funding process, with one-to-one advice sessions, group presentations and workshops. This has led to individuals and groups gaining confidence in the bid-making process and approaching larger funders for more ambitious projects.

Cllr Mrs Nicholas, DDC Cabinet Member for Community said: "The evening was a great success. This was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of a range of groups in our local community, as well as the success of the Coalfield Regeneration Trust's Bridging the Gap funding and the hard work of our Community Development team."

For more information on Bridging the Gap funding, please contact Una Mills, Regeneration Officer (Small Projects) on 01304 872081.