THE COUNCIL has launched a new fund that will provide community groups with up to £100,000.
Launched on Monday, March 7, the Atherton Community Fund will help community organisations in Atherton grow while also improving the lives of residents.
Community groups can apply for up to £100k as long as they are based in Wigan Borough and offer benefits to the residents of Atherton.
The council is keen to hear from small community groups that encourage community spirit and engage volunteers, or those who need financial support so that they can continue to work within their communities.
Councillor Chris Ready, portfolio holder for communities and culture, said: “This is a great one-off opportunity for our community groups. We want to invest locally in the things that mean the most to our residents in Atherton.
“That can be funding to run activities aimed at keeping local people fit and well, providing activities to tackle loneliness or isolation, supporting young people to thrive, or investing in local spaces to improve how they look and make them feel safer.
“Whatever your project is we want to hear your proposals.”
The Council has committed to invest in Atherton and the capital receipt from the sale of Atherton Library has been ring-fenced to provide this local investment fund.
The Fund aims to improve the lives of residents by addressing local priorities and improving spaces that matter most to the community.
Groups have until Sunday, June 12 to get their applications in - with projects must be deliverable within 12 months and sustainable in the long term.
A decision-making panel will be held at the end of that three-month application window and projects with the greatest impact, reach and innovation will be selected for investment from the fund.
Wigan Council will also hold a series of workshops to support any potential applicants, with the first being held on 18 March at Atherton Library.
Coun Ready added: “We are really looking forward to seeing the proposals and I would recommend attending one of our Funding Friday workshops which we are holding bi-weekly across Wigan Borough.
“We made a commitment to the residents of Atherton that we would invest further in the Atherton area and I believe this scheme will really demonstrate that commitment.”
For more information on how to apply visit this link
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