Voluntary Organisations: Government Assistance

Mr. Maude
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what steps have been taken to increase access to Government grants for small, community-led projects.

Kevin Brennan
Government are investing £130 million through the Grassroots Grants programme to deliver small grants funding to charities and social enterprises.

In West Sussex for example, Government have committed £1,836,363 over three years to provide immediate funding to small, local community groups, and also to match fund local donations, which will support these groups into the future.

In recognition of the particular challenges facing community level third sector organisations who provide recession focused services, Government have provided a further £15.5 million to support these organisations in the 50 areas of England most at risk of increased deprivation as a result of the recessions.

More information about the Grassroots Grants and Targeted Support Funds can be found at the Community Development Foundation (CDF) website:

www.cdf.org.uk