Following news last week of Invent Theatre’s grassroots funding, they were not the only ones on the Island to profit from the funding scheme.
There are a total of nine groups who have received funding from the Isle of Wight Community Fund Grassroots grants.
You’ll see from the diversity of groups awarded, that the grants panel are determined to ensure that cash is divvied out fairly and with all interests fully considered.
As well as the theatre funding, a grant of £5,000 went to the East Cowes Victoria Community Amateur Sports Club. Their plan for the cash is to create a second football pitch, enabling six youth and girls teams to be able to take part in the game.
“There is a lack of football facilities in the area and we are constantly being asked for a pitch suitable for younger players” says Geoff Thomas, treasurer for the club. “This project will greatly increase the number of young people regularly playing football and in turn benefit the wider community as a whole.”
But it’s not just football that attracts attention, Ryde Cavaliers Cricket Club will use a grant of £4,000 grant from the scheme to support their ‘a years cricket for a fiver’ scheme. This programme us open to boys and girls under 15 and runs throughout the year.
Kitbridge Farm is where the Young Arthritis Support group meet and engage in the Green Works Project. With a grant of almost £4,000 they will be able to carry on their work helping young people with disabilities to focus on what they can do rather than what they can’t do. They’ll get to learn these vital skills whilst being taught teaching traditional methods of nature conservation and management.
Other groups who received funding include West Wight Floral Society, Isle of Wight Special Olympics and Isle of Wight Scottish Fiddlers.
Grassroots grants range from £250 to £5,00 and can make a massive difference to a local group, from helping clubs get hold of new kit, coaching new volunteers or simply giving the village hall a fresh lick of paint.
Take a look at the Isle of Wight Community Fund website to see if you might qualify for a Grassroots grant or email IWCF at infograssroots(at)hantscf.org.uk.
