Community Covenant funding for local projects

Following the launch of the Armed Forces Community Covenant in June this year, community groups across Dover District are being invited to apply for grants from £100 to £250,000 to support projects which strengthen the ties or understanding between members of the armed forces community and the wider community in which they live.

Earlier this year, a range of representatives met at Dover Castle to sign the Community Covenant, which encourages people to support the service community in their area. Since then Dover District Council has been encouraging organisations, groups and individuals to sign up to the Community Covenant via the DDC website.

Grant applications can be for capital or revenue funded projects, and they should aim to encourage greater understanding of the issues affecting the service community, recognize and remember the sacrifices faced by the service community, or be activities, events or joint projects which help to integrate the service community with the wider community. The funding is from the MOD, and supported by DDC.

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council said: "Dover District has many historical connections with the armed forces, for example with the Royal Marines formerly in Deal, and the army at Old Park Barracks and Connaught Barracks. The Community Covenant Grant Scheme will ensure we support and respond to the needs of the wider armed forces community, including serving personnel and their families, veterans, reservists and cadets."

Applications will be considered by a MOD Regional Board three times a year but the current round of applications need to be submitted to the local Civilian Military Partnership Board by Friday 17 January 2014.

For more details or an application form see the Dover District Council website at www.dover.gov.uk/communitycovenant or contact Community Engagement Officer Sarah Philpott on 01304 872446 or email communitycovenant@dover.gov.uk - applicants are advised to contact the Council for additional support.