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Community groups, that help and support people through winter, are being encouraged to apply for their share of £15,000, as part of Ongo’s Community Grants project.

This is the first time Ongo has launched a winter specific project, in the hope of helping groups that offer warm spaces, activities and events, food support or anything that benefits local people through the colder months.

The project has been running for more than 10 years, donating over £100,000 in total. Earlier this year they awarded £20,000 to 18 groups, as part of their promise to reinvest profits back into good causes.

Groups can apply for up to £1,000 each from Tuesday 10 October, and they have until Friday 3 November to get their applications in.

Entries must be made by submitting a short video to explain what the money would be spent on, and how it would support Ongo tenants and the wider community.

To apply, groups must be:

• Based in areas where Ongo has tenants
• A not for profit group
• Constituted with a bank account

Kerry Copson, Community Development Manager at Ongo said: “We are delighted to be launching winter Community Grants this year, for the first time ever.

“We know that small groups rely on the kind-hearted people running them, giving up their time, often unpaid and usually fighting to stay open. That’s why funds like this really help.

“We can’t wait to see the difference it’ll make.”

Rachel Ridler is from Hatfield St Lawrence Church, who benefitted from the last round of funding. She said: “I saw the grants and thought it would be perfect for enabling us to cover costs and maybe even add in some extra treats.

“Grants like this make a huge difference. We want to say a huge thank you, we’re really excited to put the money to good use.”

A judging panel will decide which groups receive funding and successful groups will be announced by the end of November.

For more info about the project, or to apply head to: www.ongo.co.uk/communitygrants

Issued 09/10/23