Funding boost for event organisers

February 7, 2019 by Leigh-on-sea.com

The council is once again offering event organisers and organisations the opportunity to bid for funding to set up events and activities across the borough.

Following on from the two funding streams that were set up in October 2018 to help residents and visitors alike enjoy more cultural events and nightlife opportunities across the borough, the council is now excited to announce that the planned second round of bidding is now open.

The first round proved very popular, with a wide-ranging variety of ideas submitted by bidders, many of whom have gone on to or are in the process of hosting successful events in the town.

The two funding pots - the Southend Culture and Wellbeing Small Grants and the Safe and Enjoyable Town Centres Grants - cater for different types of events and projects, from cultural and wellbeing events, to night time safety and support services. There is an expectation that funding applied for will be match funded by other sources.

Cllr James Courtenay, cabinet member for growth, said: “After the first round of bidding saw 18 bids, I am excited to see what potential events are considered as part of the second round of bidding.

“As stated during the bidding process of round one, whilst we are not able to help everyone, we will do everything we can to provide support and guidance to both successful and unsuccessful applicants.”

Cllr Lesley Salter, cabinet member for healthy communities and wellbeing, said: “This funding initiative has given local people the opportunity to hold events that can really make a difference both physically and mentally, and that is the really pleasing part of this. We know that local people are helping to improve the wellbeing of others, and that is something worth celebrating.”

All applications will be reviewed and scored by council officers, with the winners announced by Friday 8 March.

Southend Culture and Wellbeing small grants

The first funding stream – Southend Culture and Wellbeing small grants - has a £50,000 pot, split into two £25,000 rounds, one which took place in 2018, and the currently available round for 2019. Bids for this stream can be anything between £250 - £2,000.

This fund is aimed at delivering projects that meet one or more of the following criteria:

·         Increase participation in cultural activities

·         Reduce the number of inactive people within Southend

·         Support the regeneration of the borough through a culture led agenda

·         Use arts and culture to improve public health and wellbeing across Southend 

Bidders will be able to apply for a maximum of £2,000 from this strand. There is an expectation that funding applied for will be match funded by other sources.

Closing date for round two of applications is 5pm Tuesday 12 February 2019.

Examples of events include arts and crafts, group fitness activities, mental wellbeing events, art exhibitions and much more. Projects must be delivered by no later than Monday 30 September 2019.

Safe and Enjoyable town centres grants

The second funding stream - Safe and Enjoyable town centres grants - has a £30,000 pot, split into two £15,000 rounds, one which took place in 2018, and the currently available round for 2019. Bids for this stream can be anything between £250 - £5,000. 

Bidders must ensure that their proposals meet the needs of people who are vulnerable, considering:

·         First aid requirements

·         Personal safety concerns

·         Alcohol/substance misuse

·         Other vulnerabilities including mental health and domestic abuse

Closing date for round two of applications is 5pm Friday 15 February 2019.

Examples of events include night time patrols, support groups for vulnerable people on nights out, alcohol/drug misuse support, and more. Projects must be delivered no later than Monday 30 September 2019.

For more information on the funding available, please visit www.southend.gov.uk/smallgrants

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