Maybe our village halls should apply:
COMMUNITY centres and village halls in Hampshire are set to benefit from a slice of 1m funding.
The money is being made available by Hampshire County Council.
It will be used to improve and refurbish existing village halls and community centres to help bring people together.
The money from the councils capital reserves has been set aside for improvements and modernisation projects.
It comes on top of the 125000 a year which is already in the budget for this purpose.
The council will offer to fund up to a maximum grant of 25000 for projects that meet certain criteria.
Normally match funding of 50 per cent of the total project costs would be expected. The council will also be awarding two or three grants of up to 200000 for larger projects.
Organisations would need to prove that their project would substantially improve the building to increase usage or enable the joint use of a building by the merger of two or more groups.
There is a different application process for these larger proposals.
Final decisions on applications will be made by Councillor Keith Chapman the executive member for culture recreation and countryside.
He said: Im thrilled that this year there is more money available for these grants which are so important for community cohesion.
Village halls and community associations are a valuable asset in every local area and vital in providing an activity hub that brings together local people of all ages.
The councils contributions enable improvements to be made to their buildings which helps to ensure that they continue their valuable work within the community.
There are four dates that applications can be handed in by.
People can apply by either August 9 October 25 December 6 or January 17.
Decisions will be given on September 25 December 5 January 20 and March 6 corresponding with the above dates.
Full details about how to apply and the criteria that needs to be met can be found at hants.gov.uk/grants/ccbs-grants/community-buildings-capital-fund.htm
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/1m-to-revamp-village-halls-from-county-council-1-5307006
