Third sector fund to empower communities

- I hear all about community empowerment these days, but how are we supposed to empower the third sector?

You mean the sector that often provides a platform for voices of the community? In July, the government announced the establishment of a £7.5m Empowerment Fund, which over the next three years will provide support for existing third sector organisations working to give power back to communities in England. Power to the people!

That's the general idea. The Department for Communities and Local Government has issued a consultation paper on the fund in which it describes a pretty dynamic sector that advocates on behalf of others under the leadership of committed and active citizens who are passionate about local issues. Funds would be available in the form of competitive grants to organisations that fall under Section 70 of the Charities Act 2006.