£50,000 for community and voluntary groups in East Riding 

Local authority relaunches its successful ‘Do it for East Yorkshire’ community grant for voluntary and community groups as well as town and parish councils in the East Riding 

A successful funding programme to support community groups in East Yorkshire is returning, this time to support ‘welcoming place’ activities. The intention is to encourage welcoming, regular venues for members of the local community to attend that will improve health, well-being and access to local resources and services, while also reducing social isolation.  

Recipients of ‘Do it for East Yorkshire’ community grant funding at New Pasture Lane community centre in Bridlington, photo courtesy of East Riding of Yorkshire Council

‘Welcoming place’ activities that might qualify for funding can include provision of refreshments and hot meals, contributions towards social activities such as arts and crafts, physical activity or board games and puzzles.  

Funds can be used for community venues which provide such regular activities, including village halls, community centres and church halls. Groups can also apply for a 10% contribution towards energy costs, sessional staff and volunteer expenses.  

Qualifying groups will be awarded grants of between £1,500 and £2,500. Applications close on Wednesday, December 4 and all funded projects need to be delivered by Friday, March 7, 2025. 

The scheme has been very successful in the past. East Riding of Yorkshire Council awarded more than £800,000 to community projects through the scheme between 2021 and March this year, with 65,000 people attending more than 265 projects funded through the grant programme. Groups that received this funding included lunch clubs and youth initiatives, and there was money for welcoming place activities and enhancements to local green spaces. 

New Pasture Lane community centre in Bridlington was just one example, awarded £4,000 for a Friday lunch club that provided hot meals and opportunities for residents to socialise. As a result of taking part, 90 residents reported a reduction in their sense of isolation and 50 said that it improved their mental health. 

Cllr Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, says: ‘We’re proud to support communities across the county and give our thanks to the essential work volunteers play in creating welcoming places. I encourage organisations to find out more about this grant programme and see if they are eligible for funding.’ 

For more information and to apply, visit Do if for East Yorkshire. 

In related news:

Addressing additional support needs in Scottish schools – new report 

University tuition fees are set to rise, how will it impact young adults?

Ministers launched inquiry into cost of disregard on social care reform