29/11/2002

DSD unveils £3m community fund scheme

A £3 million initiative to enable public bodies to work more effectively with disadvantaged groups and with communities living in disadvantaged areas was announced today by the Department for Social Development.

The Outreach Programme is designed to assist those communities that have not been able to readily access and influence the public services that impact on them. It aims to help public sector organisations across Northern Ireland put into practice the principle of working in partnership with communities and with the voluntary and community sector.

Financial assistance through Executive Programme Funds is available for innovative, demonstration projects that actively involve local communities and test new approaches to meeting community need. Public sector organisations, including schools, colleges, district councils and health trusts, together with Local Strategy Partnerships are invited to apply for funding to lead such projects.

The £3 million available through the Outreach Programme will be available to support up to 15 innovative projects for up to three years with grants ranging from £50,000 to £250,000 over that period.

Public bodies have been invited to put forward projects that actively involve local communities. The Programme is open to all public sector organisations, although voluntary and community groups are not eligible to apply directly.

The closing date for applications is Friday 10 January 2003 and further information and application packs can be accessed at the DSD website at www.dsdni.gov.uk

(GMcG)

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