Community groups urged to claim share of £100,000 fund

Local community groups – including sports clubs, schools, charities and voluntary organisations – are being urged to bid for a share of £100,000 worth of funding from Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH).

The social landlord is looking to support projects that will benefit its customers by building stronger communities.

Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive, explained: “Every year we distribute £100,000 as part of our Customer Initiative Funding Scheme, which aims to support community projects in the areas we serve.

“When we took over the council’s housing stock in 2006, we pledged this money would be re-invested in the community every year and, as we will soon be celebrating our tenth birthday, we plan to share the fund between 10 different projects or initiatives.

“Now we want to hear from as many organisations and individuals as possible to see if we can help turn their vision into a reality.”

To be eligible for a share of the Customer Initiative Funding Scheme, projects must directly benefit SARH customers. For example, sports clubs or other community groups applying for funding must involve people who live in properties managed by SARH. The money must also be used to support an ongoing project rather than a one-off purchase and applications must be received by Monday, June 29.

Suitable projects could include plans to transform derelict land for community use or the creation of facilities for children or young people. They could also include education schemes or projects that support the elderly or other vulnerable people.

Last year SARH helped Stafford Sports College to set up a technology lending library, which loans internet enabled tablets to people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to such technology. This year, projects that help more people to get online remain a key priority for the housing association.

“Of course, people may well have ideas for projects that we haven’t even thought of,” said Karen. “That’s why we want to hear from as many groups as possible before deciding on where the money should go.”

Further information about the Customer Initiative Funding Scheme, including details on how to apply can be found at https://www.sarh.co.uk/sarh-customers/in-my-community/customer-initiative-funding-scheme/