Community fund open to bids from youth clubs

The Aviva Community Fund competition, which is supported by UK Youth, Parent Teachers Association UK and other organisations, is giving local youth clubs, charities and groups a chance to receive financial backing through nominations by the general public.  

Community organisation projects that support young people and support family life, such as uniformed youth groups, youth sports groups, and education programmes can be entered by the general public, along with details into how funding would be beneficial.

The projects that receive the most public votes and are backed by a panel of judges could receive funding of up to £25,000.

All projects must make a positive difference in the community, be associated with a community charity or organisation within the UK, be completed with the requested funding amount, and be completed or under way before December this year.

Jacquie Irvine of Good Values, an independent consultancy that works closely with charities and companies on their community programmes, said: “Local charities and community groups have a hugely positive impact on our society, and while many are concerned about their long-term future, finding the funds to sustain themselves over the next financial year is the biggest worry.

“Many are working under pressure to raise funds and secure their future,” Irvine added.

Research commissioned to mark the launch of the Aviva Community Fund calculated the average additional sum required to sustain the day-to-day running of community groups is £3,697 annually.

However nearly half of the 2,000 local community groups, charities and organisations surveyed for the study believe that additional funding of up to £1,000 would suffice. In addition, 85 per cent are not confident that they will be able to secure their minimum funding target to remain active in the next financial year.

Other categories to be funded through the Aviva initiative include: health, disability and wellbeing; community support; and supporting the older generation. Aviva will fund more than 362 entries from across all categories and all funding levels.

Speaking in a video, Stephen Fry, board member of Norwich City Football Club, which is sponsored by Aviva, praised the competition idea.

The deadline for all project entries is 24 April and voting will open at the beginning of May.