Northampton Borough Council looks to introduce longer-period grants to help not-for-profit groups

The borough council allocates £550,000 to help local not-for-profit organisations in Northampton each year via the Partnership Grants scheme.

The grants are currently offered to groups applying for £3,000 or more, on a one year term, from July through to June.

The proposal to award three year grants, in addition to the one year grants, will be considered at a council cabinet meeting on Wednesday November 16. In addition they will consider a recommendation that the council amends the constitution to allow the chief executive officer, David Kennedy, the authority to award the funding, with the support of the Community Enabling Fund Advisory Panel.

The terms of the grant scheme would not change, and the council aims to introduce three-year grants, in time for the 2017/18 applications, which will open on January 9.

Cabinet member for community engagement Cllr Anna King said “Over the past few years the borough council has allocated more than half a million pounds annually to help local groups who offer practical support, advice and guidance to people in Northampton.

“Financially, these are difficult times for charities and community groups. By introducing a three year term grant, alongside the annual grant, we allow greater sustainability and security for longer term projects.

“This year the number of organisations assisted by the grants has risen to 29 and we look forward to welcoming in more applications next year.”

More information about the Partnership Grants, including guidance documents, an application form and training sessions will all be available within the coming weeks at www.northampton.gov.uk/info/200260/community-funding/1946/partnership-fund-grants-scheme