Funding Friday
Funding to help set up a community reading space available
We’re inviting community organisations and town and parish councils in rural areas to apply for a grant to help provide access to books and reading.
Grants of up to £300 are available through The Community Support Library Fund which are aimed at helping local groups to set up a reading space alongside existing community activities or services.
Applications are welcome from town and parish councils, charities, voluntary community groups and church or faith groups that have an open and accessible space for readers to enjoy.
Grant applications from schools are also accepted where the reading facilities can be used by other groups, such as parents or by a pre-school.
The funding can be used to enhance an existing space for things like bookshelves, comfy seats, better lighting or books.
Childminder Start-Up Grant
If you registered as a new childminder after 15 March 2023 you can apply for a start-up grant. The Childminder Start-up Grant aims to help eligible new childminders to get money towards the cost of setting up as a childminder.
One-off grants of £600 are available to those registered with Ofsted, and £1,200 for those who register with a childminder agency.
You must:
- work as a childminder in England
- have completed your Ofsted or childminder agency registration before applying
Application deadline: If you registered between 15 March and 31 July 2023: apply by 31 January 2024. If you registered between 1 August and 31 December 2023: apply by 29 February 2024.
Norman Family Trust
The Norman Family Trust, a grant-making charity based in Budleigh Salterton, helps small, local, not-for-profit organisations in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset but with a particular focus on Exeter and East Devon.
Charities and community groups can apply and applications from schools in Devon (with a preference for East Devon and Exeter) are also welcomed. Grants for schools are for standalone projects that will directly benefit the children of that school.
Examples of applications encouraged could be to support the following – school libraries, minibuses, sports halls or equipment, outdoor play equipment, text books, music drama and the arts, laboratory equipment.
Applications can be for capital, such as contributing to the cost of a new building, or for core costs such as staffing.
Grants are generally in the range of £1,000 to £5,000.
The next deadline is 16 January 2024.