Grants made easier for Wiltshire projects

4:06pm Wednesday 6th August 2008

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DEVIZES-based Community First say they have made it easier for community groups to apply for grants for transport projects.

Projects up to £250 can now apply for 100 per cent funding as opposed to 75 per cent previously. They no longer need to find match funding from their own fund raising.

Jasper Dorgan at Community First said that other small adjustments had been made to the application process to make it easier for groups to get hold of cash for their schemes.

He said: "For instance, driver wages can now be paid if they are integral to a new service being developed."

The charity's community transport small grants fund is supported by Wiltshire County Council, Swindon Borough Council and the four district councils.

The aim is to support community transport projects that help people on lower incomes in isolated rural communities who don't own a car and have no other way of getting about.

Grants of up to £1,000 are available to set up and support community minibus schemes, research local transport needs and even launch internet projects.

Existing community transport schemes, such as Link schemes and community minibuses wanting to reach new passengers are also invited to apply to the fund.

For more information and an application form, ring Susanne Pidduck at Community First on (01380) 722475 or email spidduck@communityfirst.org.uk