The Futurebuilders fund is jointly run by the Government and the voluntary and community sector. Responsibility within the Government lies with the Active Community Unit in the Home Office.
Finance packages that include a mix of grants, loans and capacity-building will be distributed by an independent body based in the voluntary and community sector. Around 250 organisations in England will receive between 30,000 and several million. Development grants of around 10,000 will also be awarded.
Futurebuilders aims to increase the role of the voluntary and community sector in the delivery of public services. The Government has chosen five areas to focus on, including support for children and young people.
Organisers of the fund want it to help charities become self-sustaining by allowing them to take on contracts with government and other agencies in order to pay back the loan.
Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "Futurebuilders is an exciting partnership that will bring about a real change in the way we deliver public services."
The fund will be 80 per cent capital and 20 per cent revenue funding.
- www.futurebuilders-england.org.uk/.
