Bidding open for the 2023 Community Chest Fund
The Stevenage Works Community Chest Fund was first launched in 2020, offering local community organisations the opportunity to bid for a share of the fund on an annual basis.
The latest round of bidding opened at the beginning of September. We’re searching for community groups and volunteers who work in Stevenage looking for money to help with upcoming projects that give something back to our close-knit community.
Managed by Stevenage Works, the Community Chest Fund was created in conjunction with North Hertfordshire College (NHC) and Job Centre Plus (JCP) to create a joined-up approach to delivering social value within the community.
Social value is all about ensuring the wellbeing of current and future generations within Stevenage and positively impacting the lives of the residents within the area. A good example can be anything from donating time and equipment to help with local projects or providing funding to improve local community areas.
The pot of money is donated by contractors who work closely in partnership with the council and have a keen interest in giving something back to the community through their social value commitments.
Councillor Jeannette Thomas, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Housing and Housing Development said: “The Community Grant Fund is a great opportunity for volunteers and community groups within the local area to get their hands on some extra money to assist with future projects.
“It’s fantastic that contractors working alongside us are able to dedicate this money to help the residents of Stevenage through local groups. It goes without saying that it means a lot when we’re able to give something back, making Stevenage a better place to live, work and visit and I urge you all to complete the application form in hope that plenty of groups get in touch.”
This year, five contractors (Mulalley, Wates, Lovell, Reef and Aaron Services) have each donated some funds towards the total pot, to help the community in line with their social value commitments.
Congratulations to all the successful organisations which received funding from the Community Chest Fund last year. These were:
- Pin Green Community Association
- The Phoenix Group for Deaf Children and Young Adults
- Stevenage Community Trust
- Green Space Volunteers
- The Oval (Stevenage) Community Association
- East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity
- Douglas Drive Day Centre
The current round of applications closes on 30 October 2023 so don’t delay and apply today! You can find more information on the council website at Stevenage Works Community Chest Fund.
Contractor looking to join Stevenage Works?
If you’re a contractor located in Stevenage and are interested in finding out more about joining Stevenage Works, or are a community group that’s keen on finding out about the Community Chest fund, please get in touch with the Stevenage Works Team.