£320,000 available for local groups in South Oxfordshire

SOUTH Oxfordshire District Council has re-opened its Capital Grant scheme offering grants to local organisations – particularly this year, looking for sustainable and environmentally conscious projects that can contribute towards the council’s Climate Emergency Declaration.

Image courtesy of ‘Village Arena’

Thame has benefited in various ways from these funds over the last few years, including Thame Sports Club, the new Cricket Pavilion and the Skate Park which have all had large allocations.

The district council has £320,000 of funding available for local groups, including town and parish councils, undertaking building work and other community and energy saving projects in the coming year.

Local organisations in South Oxfordshire have until midday on December 2, 2019, to apply to the council for money towards improving, creating or replacing community facilities.

Grants range from £1,000, which could cover the replacement of a village noticeboard, to £75,000 towards a project like a new recreation ground, but the improvements must benefit local residents. The maximum we are able to fund is 50 per cent of the total project cost. Groups are encouraged to refer to the guidance notes available on the council’s website before making an application.

Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, the council’s cabinet member for community services, said: “We are looking for projects that; improve the health and wellbeing of our residents, help support disadvantaged groups and encourage communities to join together.

Recent grants include

• £99,790 towards Crowmarsh Gifford’s new playground and outdoor gym, which opened in April 2019
• £13,444 helped to pay for a new, energy efficient flat roof for Sonning Common’s village hall
• £30,450 went to support the restoration of 17th Century bells at Cuddesdon Church

For more information and advice please visit the council’s website www.southoxon.gov.uk/grants, email the grants team at grants@southandvale.gov.uk or give them a call on 01235 422405.