£1 million Social Infrastructure Fund to be discussed at cabinet

A third round of funding for voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations who are helping Norfolk's communities during the pandemic recovery and the cost-of-living crisis is being considered by the county council.

The council's cabinet will consider a report that will see another £1 million of capital funding for major voluntary sector projects from the Norfolk Social Infrastructure Fund - the same level of funding as in 2021.

This year's proposal sees £775k made available to community organisations to bid for, with £225k already committed to continue the successful partnership with Norfolk Community Foundation in expanding their Nourishing Norfolk food hubs across the county, with an ambitious aim of 15 being open by the end of 2022.

The Social Infrastructure Fund provides funding for voluntary and non-profit making groups and organisations to support community initiatives that benefit Norfolk residents.

Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, cabinet member for communities and partnerships at Norfolk County Council said:

"Last year we saw the Social Infrastructure Fund help some fantastic projects which make a real difference in their communities.

"We are impressed by the full breadth of applicants from across Norfolk, and are keen to offer grants to those who are able to improve the communities they work in."

Last year the fund helped 25 different projects across the county. These include small but essential community projects, such as getting running water and a toilet for the Reading Room in Quidenham, as well as major infrastructure projects, such as supporting Centre 81 in Great Yarmouth with their ambitious plans to convert their new premises into a thriving skills and activities centre.

Ceri Sumner, Director of Communities, Information and Learning said:

"Norfolk community and voluntary groups play a vital role in engaging and supporting people throughout our county and it's great to be able to offer this grant to support the work they do. We are particularly keen to fund organisations who are supporting vulnerable groups and those who are tackling ongoing issues such as the cost of living."

The Norfolk Social Infrastructure Fund is just one of the many ways in which the council supports the voluntary and community sector in Norfolk. Other support this year has included:

• A £100,000 Empowering Communities Fund managed by Norfolk Community Foundation, which offered grants of up to £10,000 to help local organisations build their resilience and become more sustainable
• An additional £156,000 a year over 2 years to fund the Empowering Communities Partnership which improves support for local groups and organisations and makes it easier for people to volunteer
• An additional £500,000 top up to the household support fund to ensure that as many households can be supported as possible

If agreed, expressions of interest in the Social Infrastructure Fund will open on 25 July 2022

Cabinet will consider the report when it meets at 10am on Monday, 4 July. You can watch the meeting, live or afterwards and read the reports.