Community First in Shinfield North

Community First is an initiative that provides local communities with the means to address their own priorities. The scheme is being administered by the Community Development Foundation.

Funding has been allocated at ward level across every local authority in England. Eligible wards were selected on the basis of high levels of deprivation. The amount of funding for each area is based on the concentration of these characteristics within a ward. In each eligible ward the community must set up a Community First local panel, which decides upon projects for funding in their area.

Because funding is targeted on the most deprived areas, only certain electoral wards are eligible in each local authority. Shinfield North has been identified as an eligible ward and the sum of £16,900 is to be made available over a four-year period. A Community First local panel has been set up. 

Money is to be provided under a matched funding scheme, whereby every £1 provided in funding by the government must be matched by a similar amount of local money (this means donations of cash or in-kind donations of services, free products or volunteer time).

Applying for funding

Groups can apply for funding now -  the closing date is 8 March 2013. You can apply for up to £4,245. Click here to download an application form. Do consult the guidance notes first.

Timeline

The local panel has planned its activities for 2012-13. You can view the plan here.