Community Covenant Grant Scheme funds local projects

Community groups in Dover District have successfully applied for grants of more than £22,000 to support projects that strengthen the ties or understanding between members of the armed forces community and the wider community in which they live - and further applications are now invited.

Following the launch of the Armed Forces Community Covenant last June, community groups across Dover District were invited to apply for grants from £100 to £250,000 from the Community Covenant Grant Scheme.

Successful applications to the Regional Panel in January were: Dover Smart Project; Burgoyne Heights Pre-School; the Royal British Legion (Staple Branch); and the Veterans Association of Deal.

Applications are invited for projects to encourage greater understanding of the issues affecting the service community, or recognize and remember the sacrifices faced by the service community, or for activities, events or projects that help integrate the service community with the wider community. Funding is from the MOD, and is administered and promoted by DDC.

The Armed Forces Community Covenant was launched at Dover Castle last year to encourage people to support the service community in their area, and DDC has been encouraging people to sign up to the Covenant via the DDC website.

Applications for the Community Covenant Grant Scheme are considered by a MOD Regional Board three times a year - the deadline for the next round is 17 May 2014.

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council and Chairman of the Dover District Civilian Military Partnership Board said: "We are very pleased to support the Community Covenant. Dover District has many historical connections with the armed forces, and the Community Covenant Grant Scheme is helping to ensure we support and respond to the needs of the wider armed forces community."

For more details or an application form, or support with an application, visit www.dover.gov.uk/communitycovenant or contact Community Engagement Officer Una Mills on 01304 872274.